As EastEnders celebrates its landmark year in 2025, Albert Square has become a stage for explosive drama,

heart-wrenching farewells, and shocking homecomings that are keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

With a string of surprise returns, gut-wrenching exits, and dark secrets boiling to the surface, this year is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in the show’s storied history.

🔥 Explosive Anniversary Week Sets the Tone

The anniversary episodes set a fiery precedent—quite literally—with a devastating explosion at The Queen Vic claiming the life of long-standing character Martin Fowler. In a tragic and emotional climax, Martin died in Stacey Slater’s arms, leaving fans in tears and shaking up the Slater-Fowler family forever.

Stacey, unable to cope with the emotional aftermath, left Walford with her children Arthur and Hope, seeking solace with her aunt, Lynne Slater. Meanwhile, her teenage daughter Lily made the tough decision to stay with her father, Ryan Malloy, in Wakefield. The future of the Fowler children remains uncertain, leaving viewers wondering when—or if—this fractured family will find their way back to Walford.

🎭 The Return of Legends: Mitchell Mayhem and Watts Wonders

One of the anniversary week’s biggest surprises was the electrifying return of Ross Kemp as the iconic Grant Mitchell. His sudden reappearance brought instant nostalgia and fresh tension, especially as old rivalries with brother Phil Mitchell flared up once more. To top it off, a haunting cameo from Anita Dobson as Angie Watts left fans stunned, reminding us all that ghosts from the past never stay buried in Walford for long.

Following the affair between Sharon Watts and Grant—revealed in gut-wrenching fashion—Phil’s hopes of rekindling things with Sharon were dashed. Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon, is currently on a break from the show, with her character reportedly staying with Jada Lennox and Michelle Fowler after the emotional upheaval. No word yet on when Sharon will return, but her absence is certainly being felt.

🔄 Max Branning Returns: A Scandalous Comeback in the Making

After a four-year absence, Jake Wood will reprise his role as Max Branning, promising to stir up trouble like only he can. Max had left for New Zealand to be with daughter Lauren and grandson Louie, but it was later revealed he had fathered Annie, the daughter of Linda Carter, after a controversial affair.

Max’s return is expected to be far from smooth. With unresolved paternity issues, old flames, and bitter rivalries lurking, Walford will never be the same. How Linda and the Carters react to his reappearance could ignite one of the year’s most volatile storylines.

👮 Ben Mitchell: From Extradition to Redemption?

Another high-profile return sees Max Bowden stepping back into the shoes of Ben Mitchell. Last seen being extradited to the U.S. on fraud charges in 2024, Ben left behind a heartfelt farewell with husband Callum Highway, leaving viewers devastated.

Now filming has resumed with Bowden back on set, the comeback hints at a redemption arc—or perhaps even a deeper descent into chaos. Can Ben repair the damage done to his marriage? And what new enemies might he bring back with him from across the Atlantic?

🚪 Who’s Leaving Albert Square?

Alongside these jaw-dropping returns, EastEnders is also bidding farewell to several key players.

Stacey Slater, portrayed by Lacey Turner, will be stepping away later this year as the actress takes maternity leave following the birth of her third child, Gypsy, in January. Although she returned briefly for a powerful live episode, Lacey’s exit will be temporary, with producers confirming that Stacey will be back when the time is right.

Felix Baker, played by Matthew James Morrison, is also set to exit the Square. The groundbreaking character, known as drag performer Tara Misu, has been a fan favorite since arriving in 2022 with his brother Finley and their father Avery. With the dawn of new executive producer Ben Wad’s era, Felix’s storyline is wrapping up—but his impact on diversity and representation will be remembered.

And after eight transformative years, Bernie Taylor is also saying goodbye. As Karen Taylor’s daughter, Bernie has weathered more than her fair share of drama, heartbreak, and personal growth. Her character arc has included surrogacy, body image struggles, and fierce family loyalty, making her departure particularly bittersweet for fans.

🕵️‍♀️ More Secrets, More Shockers: Who’s Next?

Kate Oates, Head of Continuing Drama at the BBC, recently teased that the surprises aren’t over yet. With recent returns like Bianca Jackson, Chrissy Watts, and David Wicks, fans have been spoiled—but there’s still more to come.

“If you like returns, you won’t be disappointed,” Oates teased. “There’s potentially one coming. Big stories are ahead. So, if a return excites you, stay tuned.”

Speculation is already running wild in fan forums: Will Peggy Mitchell’s legacy echo once more through a never-before-seen Mitchell sibling? Could Ricky Butcher make a comeback to support Bianca? Or will Zoe Slater return to confront the ghosts of her family’s past?

🏘️ Albert Square: Forever Changing, Forever Iconic

With every twist and turn, EastEnders continues to reflect the trials, triumphs, and turmoil of East London life. The show’s fearless approach to storytelling in 2025—embracing grief, reinvention, and redemption—cements its status as a powerhouse of British drama.

The landscape of Albert Square is shifting. Old alliances are crumbling. New secrets are surfacing. And the next chapter promises to be even more explosive.

One thing is certain: in Walford, no one stays gone forever.

Stay tuned for more exclusive updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks as EastEnders charges forward into its most dramatic year yet.

Follow us for all the latest EastEnders spoilers, cast updates, and exclusive interviews.