Walford is on the brink of transformation as EastEnders plunges into an explosive year of emotional comebacks, shocking exits, and long-buried secrets clawing their way to the surface. The show’s 40th anniversary sparked a chain reaction that’s only just beginning to unravel — and the fallout is promising to be devastating.

In a moment fans had waited two decades for, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) returned to the Square in a flurry of secrets and desperation. Having fallen on hard times, Zoe lied to her cousin Stacey and stepfather Alfie, begging for money before vanishing to Barcelona after just three whirlwind episodes. But that wasn’t the end of her story — far from it. She’s already back filming, and this time, Zoe’s return is permanent. The iconic bad girl is about to replant her roots in Walford soil, and her arrival will unearth the ghosts of the past, especially when she crosses paths with Kat Slater again. What does Zoe truly want, and will her presence heal the Slater legacy — or burn it to the ground?

Meanwhile, fans will soon be reintroduced to another chaotic figure from the past: Max Branning (Jake Wood). The last time we saw him, Max had fled to New Zealand in search of peace and family. But the past is never far behind in Walford. Max is set to storm back into the Square later this year — and he’s walking straight into a firestorm. Unbeknownst to him, Linda Carter is raising his secret daughter, Annie. With Phil Mitchell still reeling from Linda’s affair with Max, tensions are set to explode. Brace yourselves — the Branning family drama is about to reach new heights.

And speaking of messy family affairs, Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) is preparing for his own dramatic reentry into Albert Square. Jailed for fraud in the U.S., Ben’s story seemed to end behind prison bars. But now, after time served and emotional final words with husband Callum, Ben is heading home. Fans can expect a darker, more desperate Ben — one who’s endured trauma and isolation, and who may no longer play by the same rules. His return won’t just shake up his marriage — it’ll reignite old rivalries and long-simmering resentment.

In contrast, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) has quietly slipped away from Walford, retreating into exile after her explosive affair with Grant Mitchell came to light. Caught between Phil and the destruction of her relationship with Martin, Sharon sought comfort in her extended family abroad. But her absence is temporary — and when she returns, she’ll be carrying emotional baggage that could shatter the already fragile Mitchell clan. There’s no word yet on when Sharon will reappear, but when she does, don’t expect a quiet reunion.

Adding to the growing list of temporary absences, Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) has taken a break from the drama of the Square to focus on her exams — a decision rooted in real-life responsibilities for the young actress. After the loss of Martin and her mother Stacey’s emotional unraveling, Lily went to stay with her father Ryan. But she won’t be gone forever. Her eventual return will coincide with a major arc exploring generational trauma, grief, and the heavy cost of growing up too fast in a family full of secrets.

And then there’s the mystery. A cryptic teaser from EastEnders bosses has hinted at yet another iconic return that will stun fans. Could it be a resurrected villain? A long-lost matriarch? All we know is this: it’s going to be big. With names like Bianca Jackson, Chrissie Watts, and David Wicks already shaking up the cast this year, the suspense of who’s next is only adding fuel to the fire.

But not all characters are returning. Some are saying goodbye — and in true EastEnders fashion, they’re leaving behind emotional wreckage.

First up is Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), whose on-and-off presence this year has left fans emotionally drained. After a gripping performance during Martin’s tragic final moments in the live episode, Stacey stepped back from the spotlight. While she made a surprise reappearance during Zoe’s brief return, Stacey has chosen to remain out of the picture for now. The soap has confirmed she’ll exit later in 2025, though her departure will leave the door wide open for an eventual comeback. Until then, the Slater family will have to weather the storm without her.

Meanwhile, Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) is officially on his way out. After four years of highs and lows, Freddie’s time on the Square is ending as Bobby looks to explore new projects outside of the soap. No word yet on how Freddie’s exit will unfold, but we can expect a mix of laughter, heartache, and unfinished business — the perfect cocktail for a return down the line.

And just when fans thought the emotional rollercoaster was slowing down, EastEnders drops another bombshell: Kate Oates, the mastermind behind Walford’s reinvention, has teased another massive return. Though she won’t say who, the buzz behind the scenes is deafening. One thing’s for sure — the door is wide open for one more comeback, and it’s guaranteed to send shockwaves across Albert Square.

As the dust settles from the 40th anniversary chaos, EastEnders isn’t just reshuffling its cast — it’s setting the stage for a whole new era. Familiar faces bring emotional closure, fresh wounds, and unfinished vendettas. And with each character return comes a new reckoning — because in Walford, the past always has a way of catching up.