EastEnders: Who's Leaving, Who's Joining?

Who's Leaving?

With John Yorke back at the helm of EastEnders, some big changes are coming, that includes saying goodbye to some much loved characters.

Lauren and Abi Branning (Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald)

It has previously been confirmed that Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) will be leaving the soap around Christmas time.

A BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy: "We can confirm that Jacqueline and Lorna will be leaving EastEnders. They have both been wonderful to work with and we wish them all the best for the future."

EastEnders, BBC One

Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid)

Another fan favourite to leave is Harry Reid who plays Ben Mitchell. Although Ben is being written out, EastEnders have promised that Harry will have a huge exit.

An EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: "We can confirm that Harry will be leaving EastEnders. Harry has been a great addition to the cast and we wish him all the best for the future."

Ben is due to leave Walford towards the end of the year, maybe part of the big New Year storyline?

EastEnders, BBC One

Aidan Maguire (Patrick Bergin)

As well as some major departures, EastEnders is bringing in Irish actor Patrick Bergin, he has a back catalogue of acting as long as your arm! Bergin best known for playing Martin in Sleeping With The Enemy, starring alongside Julia Roberts.

Patrick Bergin

Bergin will play Aidan, a villain who is full of charm. He is an old friend of Phil Mitchell and will feature heavily in the Christmas storyline alongside Mick Carter.

EastEnders boss John Yorke said about the newest arrival: "EastEnders deserves the very best and in Patrick we are absolutely privileged to have a truly great actor join the show. It's a huge honour to have him on board."

Aidan Maquire will grace our screens later this year (within weeks).


Fi Browning (Lisa Faulkner)

Another departure is Lisa Faulkner, who plays Fi Browning. When it was revealed that Fi was the daughter of James Willmott-Brown, EastEnders confirmed her exit shortly afterwards. Could she turn on her father when she realises what a monster he really is?

Fi Browning, EastEnders

Fi Browning is due to leave at the end of this year or early 2018. - We'll update as soon as we know.


Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra)

Masood only left last year but John Yorke felt Masood Ahmed still has a lot to give. It was revealed recently that Nitin will reprise the role of Mas' and appear on our screens by Christmas.

Masood will not be returning to Walford alone, we hear he will be bringing a whole bunch of the Ahmed family back with him!

Speaking about his return, Nitin said: "It was a lovely surprise to be asked back to EastEnders so soon after I left. In fact I was bowled over. When I was told Masood has still much to give to the show and is missed by the audience, it was hard to refuse.

Masood Ahmed, EastEnders

He continued: "It is with great pride that I will grow my Masood goatee once again to help create and base an extended family around him. Exciting days to come Walford with Masood back on the Square."


Kandice Taylor (Hannah Spearritt)

We will be delving into the Taylor family when Karen's sister Kandice, played by Hannah Spearritt, makes an appearance. Hannah is best known as former S Club 7 singer.

Speaking about joining the soap, Hannah said: Hannah commented: "I'm over the moon to be joining the show, it's such a huge part of British telly. I'm really looking forward to getting started and I can't wait to see the Square in the flesh.... Walford here I come!"

Karen and Kandice Taylor, EastEnders

Hannah will appear on our screens over the Christmas period. This character is definitely one worth waiting for!


Melanie Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite)

Tamzin Outhwaite is returning to EastEnders with a bang early next year. Melanie Owen has not been seen in Walford for nearly 16 years, a character who is not afraid to stand up to the likes of Phil Mitchell.

Tamzin has been seen filming on location with Harry Reid, who plays Ben Mitchell, in Dover. Speaking about her return, Tamzin said: "EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel. She is a strong independent woman with lots more stories to tell. To be stepping back into Mel's shoes nearly 20 years after I first started feels just perfect."

Melanie Owen, EastEnders

EastEnders airs weeknights on BBC One