EastEnders cast departures

Sam Mitchell

The return of the Mitchell Princess, Sam, centred around her character being diagnosed with breast cancer.

‘I really hope that Sam’s story shows the importance of getting checked out as soon as possible. We all need to encourage each other to regularly check our breasts because if you can catch breast cancer early enough, it can make a big difference to the prognosis and treatment,’ Kim said in regards to the plot.

Sam’s return was only ever meant to be temporary, though, withher originally set to leave Walford once her cancer storyline had concluded.

However, as of mid February, she decided to stick around, leading to a reunion with brother Grant.

When did Sam Mitchell leave EastEnders?

Sam departed Albert Square once more in the episode that was broadcasted on May 26, 2026. She left with her brother Grant.

Grant Mitchell

Grant Mitchell last appeared as part of EastEnders’ 40th birthday celebrations, before Ross Kemp made a further return as part of Nigel’s death storyline this spring while desperate to reconnect with his son, Mark.

‘Grant is desperate to see his son. They’ve never had a relationship, and he may see this as the first step towards potentially building one,’ said Ross on Grant’s reason for returning.

‘He’s also shocked to hear from him in general and probably feels that, if Mark has reached out after all this time, then whatever is happening must be significant enough, and important enough, for him to come back to Walford immediately,’

While Grant’s return has gone down a treat with viewers, his comeback was only temporary.

When is Grant Mitchell leaving EastEnders?

Grant departed Albert Square on May 26 with sister Sam.

Currently, the date of Joel’s return is unknown.

Stacey Slater

Our Stace’ left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realising that she’d never escape the ghost of ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler (James Bye) while remaining in Albert Square.

Though hearts across the nation broke when Stacey departed, actress Lacey Turner was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn’t have to miss her for too long and that she’d definitely be back.

In a behind-the-scenes video shared to EastEnders official YouTube, Lacey said: ‘I am coming back, I won’t be long’.