BEGINNING AND ENDER
EastEnders cast: Who is new on the soap and who’s leaving?
THE ever-explosive soap opera, Eastenders, never fails to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Here's who has come and gone out of the BBC One soap cast...
- Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest spoilers, pictures and gossip from Albert Square
1. Danny Dyer (Mick Carter) - leaving
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Danny Dyer is to quit EastEnders later this year, the soap has confirmed.
The actor - who joined the cast in 2013, playing Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter - is not leaving imminently, with "plenty of explosive drama" for his character before then.
It is thought that Danny has signed a new contract for a rival drama on Sky in a six-figure deal.
While that is significantly less than he earns at the BBC, he would be free to pursue opportunities outside the Corporation that could see his income rocket.
2. Gurlaine Kaur Garcha (Ash Panesar) - leaving
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EastEnders aired a surprise exit for Ash Panesar during Friday's episode (January 7) as she left Walford in the wake of her latest bust-up with mum Suki.
Ash (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) was at the centre of a shocking story earlier in the week, when she was from Neil's hate group.
An Eastenders spokesperson said the door has very much been left open for Ash to return to the Square in the future.
3. Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) - returning
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BBC One soap fans awaiting the comeback of Adam Woodyatt's character - who dramatically survived Sharon Watts' final attempt to kill him in January - will be made to wait a little longer for his explosive next chapter.
The actor, 52, is on a break from playing hapless Ian in the long-running soap, which he joined in 1985, to return to the theatre.
Adam is starring in Peter James' Looking Good Dead - based on the number one best-selling author's thrilling Roy Grace series.
And The Sun Online can exclusively reveal the stage run dates have been confirmed for January 25 to April 2, in an extension to the original showtimes - meaning he won't be back on screen until May or June at the earliest.
This, coupled with Adam's upcoming role on I'm A Celebrity, means EastEnders fans will be on tenterhooks for the character's comeback - and undoubted locking of horns with Sharon.
4. Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) - returning
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Linda’s brief return during the festive period saw her marriage set to go through the ultimate test – Janine Butcher.
The actress welcomed a son, Rudy, in July 2021. Bright was also expecting on-screen during her pregnancy and made her last appearance shortly after the Queen Vic landlady gave birth in September 2021.
She is set to make a full comeback in 2022.
5. Gwen Taylor (Violet Highway) - returning
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Vi left Walford in shame after admitting she had given away her secret baby who was born with Down’s syndrome, as she couldn’t cope after the dad did a runner.
EastEnders has confirmed Vi’s departure is temporary and Vi will be back soon.
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6. Rose Ayling-Ellis (Frankie Lewis) - returning
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Rose - who plays Danny Dyer's on-screen daughter - decided she needed a break from Walford after she was left fearing for her life last week.
Viewers were left sobbing as Frankie said an emotional goodbye to her dad Mick Carter and departed in a taxi to go stay with a friend.
The actress was given time off to pursue her role on the 2021 season of Strictly Come Dancing but is set to make her return to the show this year.
7. Clair Norris (Bernie Taylor) - returning
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Clair Norris is taking a break from her role as pregnant Bernie Taylor.
The actress has temporarily left the soap as part of a major storyline, after agreeing to be a surrogate mum for the Highways took its toll on the teen.
Bernie skipped town in October 2021 to escape the intense situation as Norris announced she was taking a temporary break from the show.
Bernadette will make her return in 2022, with fans eagerly awaiting her storyline.
8. Thomas Coombes (Neil Hughes) - joining
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Thomas joined the show in December 2021 and is set to be a recurring cast member this year, and is set to play a big part in EastEnders’ controversial new storyline
Neil is the ringleader of the sinister far-right group Aaron Monroe is affiliated with.
He was responsible for Keegan’s brutal beating and has instructed Aaron to spread the extremist gang’s racist agenda throughout the community.
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