Upcoming cast changes (spoilers)

Below you can view a list of upcoming changes to the cast.

Abigail "Abi" Branning
It was announced, on the 20th September 2017, that Lorna Fitzgerald and Jacqueline Jossa (Abi and Lauren Branning respectively) had been axed from EastEnders. Her exit is expected to air during the Christmas and New Year period. A spokesperson for EastEnders said "We can confirm Jacqueline and Lorna will be leaving. They have been wonderful to work with and we wish them all the best for the future."

Lauren Branning
It was announced, on the 20th September 2017, that Lorna Fitzgerald and Jacqueline Jossa (Abi and   Lauren Branning   respectively) had been axed from EastEnders. Her exit is expected to air during the Christmas and New Year period. A spokesperson for EastEnders said  "We can confirm Jacqueline and Lorna will be leaving. They have been wonderful to work with and we wish them all the best for the future."

Ben Mitchell
On the 2nd October 2017, it was announced that that Harry Reid had been axed from EastEnders. He will depart in the midst of an "explosive storyline" between Phil Mitchell, Mick Carter and new character Aidan Maguire. Fans were outraged at the news, even launching e-petitions to save Harry from the axe. An EastEnders spokesperson said "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."

Sophie "Fi" Wilmott-Brown
The actress who portrays Fi, Lisa Faulkner, announced in an interview with Digital Spy that after the conclusion of the whole Wilmott-Brown revenge storyline concludes she would be leaving EastEnders.

Masood Ahmed
It was announced, on October 3rd 2017, that Masood Ahmed would be returning to EastEnders with members of his "extended family whom viewers are yet to meet" in tow. There is no set date for when Masood will return, however it is expected it will be at some point over the Christmas and New Year period. Nitin Ganatra said of his return: "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. It is with great pride that I will grow my Masood goaty once again to help create and base an extended family around him. Exciting days to come Walford with Masood back on the Square."

Melanie Owen
====On the October 24th 2017, it was announced that Melanie Owen would return to EastEnders after almost sixteen years away at some point in the New Year period. Tamzin Outhwaite, who has played Melanie since her introduction in 1998, said "EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel."  John  Yorke said he was "thrilled and flattered" to have Outhwaite reprise the role and looked forward to exploring her absence and "who Melanie Owen is now".  John Yorke promised an "incredible" storyline for Mel when she returns and said it would "awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories, and a whole new series of adventures too" ====

Aidan Maguire
Aidan will be played by Patrick Bergin, his first scenes airing in late 2017. He is to be introducted into a massive Christmas storyline involving him, Mick Carter and Phil Mitchell. Bergin said: "I am delighted to be joining  EastEnders as I have watched and admired it since the days of Dirty Den. It is an iconic show that has the ability to shape the way people think, while also telling big explosive stories that keep the audience gripped. I am really looking forward to seeing what they have in store for Aidan as it’s bound to be dramatic.", whilst John Yorke, executive producer said " 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, where he’ll be working hand in hand with Phil Mitchell and Mick Carter to carry a truly explosive storyline for Christmas and New Year. We can’t wait to get started.".

Kandice Taylor
On the 25th October, it was announced that Kandice Taylor will be introduced as the younger sister of Karen Taylor. She is to be portrayed by Hannah Spearritt. She will first appear for a "stint" (a short run on the show) but could be re-introduced if popular with viewers. Of her joining the show, Hannah said "Walford here I come!". She will make her first appearance in the Christmas period.