As EastEnders barrels towards its milestone 40th anniversary in 2025, Walford is bracing for an unprecedented cast shakeup. Following a tumultuous 2024, the coming year promises an emotional gauntlet of poignant departures, anticipated arrivals, and explosive comebacks set to make the Square more unpredictable than ever before. Producers are setting the stage for high-stakes drama, signaling a definitive shift in the soap’s core dynamics.

The most keenly felt departures center on two of Walford’s favorite younger stars. After three years, Bobby Brazier will exit his role as Freddy Slater, a character whose warmth and chaotic charm endeared him to audiences despite tackling some of the soap’s darkest storylines, including his struggle with ADHD and the traumatic confrontation with Theo Hawthorne. The nature of his sendoff remains a closely guarded secret, though its deep connection to the Square ensures it will be both significant and heartbreaking.

Joining Freddy on the way out is Anna Knight, played by Molly Rainford. Anna is the first of the recently arrived Knight family to depart. While details of her exit are currently under wraps, speculation is mounting that she may reunite with Freddy, possibly leaving together to embark on a new life away from the Square, perhaps in Australia. Anna’s departure will be a loss for the younger generation of characters she has so quickly become a compassionate figurehead for.

On a darker note, Max Murray’s tenure as Joel Marshall is rapidly approaching its devastating conclusion. Joel’s storyline, marked by radicalization, misogyny, and an attack on Vicky Fowler, is set to climax after he lands in police custody. Reports suggest his exit will be dramatic and explosive, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as his dark arc reaches its breaking point.

To balance the departures, the anniversary year will be marked by two highly anticipated returns guaranteed to reignite long-simmering feuds and nostalgia.

Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), one of Walford’s most notorious wild cards, is set for an explosive festive stint at the end of the year. Last seen in January 2024 after burning bridges with her brother Phil, Sam’s return is poised for fireworks. The chaos will be immediate, as she finds herself face-to-face with old murder accomplice Zoe Slater, prompting questions over whether they will seek redemption or settle old, dangerous scores.

Perhaps the most touching return will see a Walford legend briefly grace the Square once more. Pam St. Clement will reprise her iconic role as Pat Evans, returning in ghostly form for a deeply moving Christmas episode. The segment will center on Nigel Bates’ worsening dementia, with Pat appearing to guide Nigel through his fading past. This emotional, nostalgic tribute to the soap’s golden era promises to be one of the most powerful and memorable episodes of the year.

While no new cast members have been confirmed yet, the current focus is on consolidating the established core families—the Slaters, Mitchells, Knights, and Trumans. However, given the significance of the 40th anniversary, producers have hinted that surprise arrivals and fresh twists later in the year remain highly likely, ensuring that as ever, Walford refuses to stay quiet.