21 QUESTIONS! Max Branning D.e.a.t.h in 2027

🚨 EASTENDERS CAST SHAKE-UP 2026: WHO’S JOINING, LEAVING & RETURNING TO ALBERT SQUARE – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Welcome to 2026 in Walford — and honestly, it’s a miracle we all made it through 2025 in one piece. Last year was an emotional bloodbath, with shocking exits, explosive returns and storylines that left fans traumatised but glued to their screens.

So, who’s coming, who’s going, and who’s making a dramatic comeback? Here’s your complete guide to the EastEnders cast changes shaping life in Albert Square.

💔 WHO WE LOST IN 2025 (AND ARE STILL GRIEVING)

🖤 Martin Fowler

Let’s start with the heartbreak that still hasn’t healed.
Martin’s d.e.a.t.h left a huge hole in the Square — no fruit and veg stall banter, no moral compass, no quiet heroism.

Walford feels emptier without him.
Justice for the original rude boy.

😈 Nish Panesar

The villain fans loved to hate finally exited, closing the door on one of the show’s darkest, most chilling antagonists.

🔥 MAJOR RETURNS THAT SHOOK THE SQUARE

👠 Zoe Slater

Zoe’s return sent shockwaves through Walford, reopening old wounds and reigniting unfinished business — especially with Sam and Kat.

🕯️ Anthony Truman

A brief but devastating return, ending in tragedy. His d.e.a.t.h has fuelled one of EastEnders’ darkest ongoing mysteries.

💣 Max Branning

The Chaos Engine himself roared back into Walford — and within weeks had already torched multiple families, relationships and reputations.

Classic Max.

🆕 WHO’S JOINING IN 2026

🐝 MYSTERIOUS “BEE” (ARRIVES 7 JANUARY)

A blast from the past for Linda Carter, Bee appears at Linda’s school reunion — and immediately causes chaos.

They remember their shared history very differently.

Was Linda really a school bully?
Or is Bee twisting the truth?

Producers describe Bee as “mysterious and nuanced” — which in soap language means she’s hiding something massive.

Friend… or destroyer?

👤 THE FLASHFORWARD ENIGMA: “MAN”

Credited only as “Man”, this mysterious figure appeared in the New Year’s Day 2027 flashforward.

Shares a knowing nod with Max
Looks disturbingly comfortable around the Beales and Brannings
Appears after Max’s arrest

Rumours are already swirling that this could be Mark Fowler Jr — possibly recast.

If true?
Walford will never be the same again.

👋 WHO’S LEAVING (AGAIN)

🎀 Sam Mitchell

Sam’s festive return was heartbreaking, as she faced a breast cancer scare and upcoming surgery while dealing with Mitchell chaos.

She’s expected to survive the cancer storyline, but signs suggest her time in Walford is once again limited.

And let’s not forget — she still has unresolved history with Zoe Slater.

🚨 Joel Marshall

Good riddance.

Joel’s disturbing misogyny storyline has reached its grim conclusion, with the character now in police custody following his horrific attack on Vicki Fowler.

A tough watch — but an important exit.

🎉 CONFIRMED RETURNS THAT HAVE FANS CHEERING

🧠 Libby Fox

YES. She’s back.

Libby appeared in the 2027 flashforward, desperately searching for her missing mum Denise Fox at Jack’s house.

The sensible voice of reason has returned — but is she here to:

Stop Denise marrying Max?
Protect Chelsea?
Or expose a huge secret?

Either way, Walford needs her.

🌴 WHO’S STILL AWAY… BUT NOT GONE

💥 Stacey Slater

Currently living in Brazil with Eve and the kids, but producers have confirmed she WILL return.

And let’s be honest — Walford is far too quiet without a Slater meltdown.

Max Branning should be very afraid.

🔥 FINAL VERDICT

2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for EastEnders:

New enemies
Long-buried secrets
Shocking exits
And returns that could change everything

💬 Who are YOU most excited to see in 2026?
Because Albert Square is only just getting started.