EastEnders cast changes – stars joining, leaving and returning to BBC's Albert Square

Things are about to turn upside down on Albert Square with a host of major character returns and devastating departures set to air on EastEnders.

As the colder months roll in, BBC One viewers have been promised plenty of drama as the residents start to get into the festive spirit this year.

In amongst the dramatic and explosive scenes set to take place over Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, viewers have shared their excitement ahead of the TV debut of a brand-new character to join Walford.

READ MORE: EastEnders fans all say the same thing as Scarlett makes startling Janine discovery

With more explosive scenes right around the corner, Daily Star have gathered all the stars set to leave, join and return to the show over the next few months.

Joining – Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar

One of the biggest characters set to make their way to Albert Square is the long-awaited Panesar patriarch performed by none other than Teachers star Navin Chowdhry.

The head of the Pansear family is set to make his debut on the soap later this Autumn and it’s fair to say the family dynamics will shift dramatically as he moves into Walford.

Speaking about joining the soap, Navin gushed: “It’s been great – everyone has been lovely. My role at the moment has been focused around the Panesar family, but everyone has been extremely welcoming.

“I’ve never worked on a show like EastEnders, so it’s been a new experience for me’ but I loved the storylines and I’ve got a keen interest in this family because there’s so much happening at all times!”

He continued: “Nish is an interesting character – slightly unconventional, and with that brings drama and mayhem.

“I think there’s a good man under there but turmoil follows these guys [the Panesars] around so I’m excited to join in and set off a fare few more explosions and fireworks.”

Speaking about Nish’s arrival, EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “The spectre of Nish Panesar is finally here, and it’s been a pleasure welcoming Navin to the cast, and take to the role so effortlessly; he brings something to the character that none of us could have predicted.

“He is dynamic on and off-screen, and we’re excited to see where his character develops as the story grows.”

Leaving – Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce

Allegedly set to be leaving the show is actress Danielle Harold who has reportedly been axed from EastEnders after new executive producer Chris Clenshaw decided not to renew her contract.

The Sun has since reported that the soap star was left emotional over the news that she would be leaving the show.

She was later informed that her character Lola Pearce will be killed off at the end of her exit storyline meaning her character can never return to the show.

An inside source has since told the publication: “Danielle was teary but was told a number of the cast were being shown the door. No one else has been given their marching orders yet however.

“The rest of the cast are rallying around her. She handled the news like a true pro and is eager to throw herself into the storyline.”

Daily Star has contacted the BBC and Danielle Harold’s representatives for a comment.

Leaving – Danny Dyer as Mick Carter

Another difficult exit for fans will be long-standing star and pub landlord Mick Carter who is set to leave the show later this year.

Fans have been soaking in the final months of Danny Dyer on the silver screen after the star announced his exit from the show earlier this year after eight years on the BBC soap.

In recent weeks, Mick has been experiencing a devastating split from his wife Linda which continuing to grow closer to Janine Butcher – but with the family man be able to mend things before his dramatic exit?

During an emotional chat with his daughter Dani on their joint podcast Sorted with the Dyers, Danny said: “Let me tell you something – Mick’s exit is going to be a very, very powerful thing.

“I would love the door to be left open, and as far as I know it is. So, who knows. When I go out there and I fail miserably o can come back with my tail between my legs and go, ‘Will you take me back?’”

The actor also shut down claims that he had signed a million-pound deal with Sky during the same episode.

“The big news is I’ve decided not to renew my contract,” he explained. “That’s all. That’s not because I’ve fallen out with anybody – I love everybody.

“That job has been amazing for me. It’s an important part of television. I’m grateful for the beautiful years I’ve had there. I’m going to miss the people massively. It’s me taking a risk.”

Leaving – Charlie Brooks as Janine Butcher

Earlier this month, Charlie Brooks revealed that she was leaving the show with her final scenes set to play out during the New Year’s celebrations.

This will be the third time the blonde bombshell has left the soap in the role as the scheming Janine Butcher, but that doesn’t mean that her exit is any easier for loyal soap fans.

She first announced her exit from the BBC show during an interview with The Sun in which she confessed that she originally planned to only be back on the Square for a year.

She told the publication: “I was only ever due back to EastEnders for a year, but when Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer.

“I’ve had an amazing time, as I always do when I go back. But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome – for everyone’s sake.”

Returning – Sid Owen as Ricky Butcher

BBC bosses have confirmed that Sid Owens is set to step back into his legendary role as Ricky Butcher later this year, and it’s fair to say they can’t wait to see the beloved character return to the soap.

Speaking about his return to the long-standing show, Sid confessed he is “delighted” to be back on Albert Square again and can’t wait to get back to work with his former co-stars once more.

He said: “I’m delighted to be back at EastEnders. I can’t wait to see what Ricky Butcher has been up to these past few years and how he’s going to react to seeing some familiar faces including old flames. I’m excited to see the drama unfold.”

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Sid back to the role of Ricky Butcher.

“Sid helped to create such an iconic character in Ricky who became so synonymous with the show and we couldn’t be more excited to have him back for a while.

“Ricky has so much history in the Square to explore and while a lot of time has passed since we last saw him, it’s fair to say wherever Ricky goes, he always finds himself slap-bang in the middle of the mayhem.”

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It comes as The Sun reported how Sid Owen’s return to Walford has been devised to coincide with Janine’s departure.

A source told the newspaper: “Bosses are staying tight-lipped about her dramatic exit, but massive stories are planned for the rest of the year and for 2023. “

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk