EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?

Charlie Brooks is rumoured to be making her way back to Walford as Janine Butcher, which would make for her third stint on the soap – if she did return, what kind of mischief would she bring with her?

And in surprising news, Harry Redknapp will make a guest appearance on the Square to celebrate The Euros 2020/2021.

It can be hard to keep up with the comings and goings in EastEnders, but read on for all you need to know about the changes in the cast.

JOINING

Dani Dyer (playing a cabbie)

Danny Dyer's daughter Dani will be making a special appearance in EastEnders for a one-off cameo, reports say. The Love Island winner is said to be playing a cabbie who will pick Mick Carter up during a tongue in cheek scene. An insider told The Sun Dani will only be in this one scene and there aren't currently plans to extend the role.

Harry Redknapp (playing himself)

In news we didn't expect, football legend Harry Redknapp will have a cameo on EastEnders over summer to celebrate The Euros. Harry is a fan of the BBC soap, and said of the news: "It's no secret that I've wanted to be in EastEnders so I'm over the moon to be making a special cameo this summer." Details on the plot haven't yet been revealed but you can bet West Ham fan Mick Carter will be thrilled to see his hero.

Brian Conley (playing Terry Cant)

Things are about to get really interesting for Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) as her long-discussed but never seen father is about to make his way to Walford - and he will be played by national treasure Brian Conley! Whether the two will get along remains to be seen, but Brian is excited to get started in his new role.

"As you can imagine being a Londoner and now being part of EastEnders is such an incredible moment for me. I know for sure my dad’s looking down from above and saying ‘Good on yer son!’ It was always his favourite programme. So, in so many ways, it really is an honour to be part of such an iconic show and to be working with an incredibly talented team on camera and off. I cannot wait to order my first pint at The Queen Vic.”

RETURNING

Charlie Brooks (playing Janine Butcher)

In April, The Sun reported that Charlie Brooks will be returning to EastEnders in the role of Janine Butcher, an iconic figure in Albert Square who she has played off-and-on since 1999. The tabloid claims that she will be part of a "huge story" later this year and that Brooks is due to start filming in a matter of weeks.

BBC declined to comment on the report when approached by RadioTimes.com. However, if Janine is indeed returning, it will be interesting to see if she comes back reformed or intent on causing more trouble.

Adam Woodyatt (playing Ian Beale)

Thankfully, because we really do love to hate him, Ian has not said goodbye to the square permanently, but he will be off-screen for a lengthy period of time after surviving the poisoning plot and skulking away from Walford on the tube.

Adam's extended break coincides with him taking up a role in the theatre, when they eventually reopen, where he is starring in the Peter James story, Looking Good Dead. The show is meant to have 23 performances around the country, but it remains to be seen when they will be able to get going.

LEAVING

Laila Morse (playing Big Mo)

After 20 years, on and off, as a fixture of Albert Square, Big Mo has waved goodbye to Walford. But while it is sad that the actress will be off, there is every chance that she could be back at some point in the future with an EastEnders spokesperson telling us here at RadioTimes.com that "just like many occasions before, Big Mo will be departing Walford. But as always, she’ll no doubt be back in the not too distant future." So hopefully a "see you soon" rather than a permanent "goodbye" then.

Wondering about the other soaps? Read more of our cast guides

• Hollyoaks cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap?
• Coronation Street cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap?
• Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast?
• Neighbours cast: Who is joining, returning to and leaving the soap?

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.