EastEnders cast: Who is new on the soap and who’s leaving?

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

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

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

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.

6. Rose Ayling-Ellis (Frankie Lewis) - returning

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

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

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.