As 2024 unfolds, *EastEnders* is gearing up for a year filled with surprises, as a mix of new arrivals, shocking exits, and long-awaited returns promise to shake up the streets of Walford. Following the emotional rollercoaster of 2023—which included the dramatic death of Ganu Taylor and Tom “Rocky” Cotton’s release from prison—the upcoming year will see even more major changes to the cast. Fans are eagerly waiting to see who will be joining, who’s leaving, and which familiar faces will be returning to the iconic square. Here’s a detailed rundown of what we can expect from *EastEnders* in 2024.
### **Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer)**
Patsy Palmer is set to reprise her beloved role as Bianca Jackson in late September 2024. While her return will undoubtedly excite longtime fans, it’s important to note that Bianca’s appearance will be brief, as this is only a short stint. Despite her limited time in Walford, Bianca’s storyline will be packed with drama. She continues to grapple with her battle against depression while working tirelessly to expose Reese, the killer responsible for her sister Sonia’s ongoing turmoil. In addition, her return will bring about a reunion with her father, David Wicks, who is also making a comeback to Walford in October.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Bianca’s time in Walford will offer her some sense of peace. Will she finally leave the square in a better place than she arrived, or will her struggles follow her out of town once more?
### **Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry)**
Navin Chowdhry, who has portrayed the menacing Nish Panesar for the past two years, is set to depart *EastEnders* in 2024. His character has been central to several high-stakes storylines, particularly during the explosive Christmas drama of 2023. While it’s still unclear whether Nish will meet a fatal end, insiders hint that his exit will be nothing short of dramatic. A source revealed that Navin’s presence on the show has been monumental, especially after he was awarded “Best Villain” at the 2024 *Radio Times* Soap Awards.
As fans eagerly anticipate the conclusion of Nish’s storyline, the big question remains—will he leave Walford in a body bag, or will his departure be less deadly but equally dramatic?
### **David Wicks (Michael French)**
Another major returning character in 2024 is David Wicks, played by Michael French. David Wicks, the son of *EastEnders* legends Pat Butcher and Pete Beale, half-brother to Ian and Simon Wicks, and father to Bianca, Joe, and Karen, is set to return for a dramatic arc. Last seen reconciling with Carol Jackson before their engagement crumbled due to her battle with breast cancer, David’s return promises to reignite old tensions.
Michael French has expressed his excitement about returning to Walford, stating that his character always brings drama wherever he goes. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased that David’s reappearance will be just as explosive as his past storylines, as he steps back into the lives of his family and causes ripples across the Square.
### **Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton)**
Louisa Lytton is set to return as Ruby Allen, bringing a new wave of chaos to the square. Ruby’s last appearance three years ago ended with her secretly leaving Walford while pregnant, having framed Stacey Slater for grievous bodily harm. Now, her return will shock both her ex-husband Martin Fowler and Stacey, stirring up unresolved issues and reigniting old tensions.
Lytton expressed her excitement about revisiting Ruby, especially to shed light on her character’s life over the past three years. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw hinted that Ruby’s departure left many unanswered questions that will now be addressed, particularly in relation to her connections with Martin and Stacey. Fans can expect a long-term storyline filled with drama and conflict as Ruby settles back into life in Walford.
### **Shirley Carter (Linda Henry)**
Shirley Carter, portrayed by Linda Henry, shocked fans when she abruptly left Walford after the presumed death of her son Mick during the 2022 Christmas special. After leaving with her dog, Lady Di, to stay with her daughter Carly Wicks, Shirley disappeared from the screen, leading to fan speculation about her return. In 2023, it was hinted that Shirley had reunited off-screen with her estranged son Dean Wicks. When Dean returned to Walford for Halloween, he claimed that Shirley had suffered a mental breakdown, raising suspicions for Linda Carter.
Though Linda Henry is currently on an extended break, *EastEnders* producers have confirmed that Shirley’s exit is not permanent. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased that Shirley’s departure was always intended to be temporary, leaving open the exciting possibility of her return to Walford. Will Shirley’s comeback bring more emotional turmoil for the Carter family, or will it finally provide some closure for her character’s troubled storyline?
### **Other Rumored Changes**
In addition to these confirmed departures and returns, *EastEnders* is always rife with rumors about future cast changes. While the producers remain tight-lipped about any other major shake-ups, fans are speculating about potential new faces and unexpected exits as the year progresses. With the show nearing its 40th anniversary, it’s likely that more surprises are on the horizon, especially as *EastEnders* continues to revamp its cast for fresh and compelling storylines.
### **What This Means for 2024**
The upcoming changes to the *EastEnders* cast are sure to have a significant impact on the show’s narrative, with a mixture of departures, arrivals, and returns weaving into the ongoing storylines. Characters like Bianca and Ruby will bring closure to some unresolved issues while stirring up new conflicts, and the departures of long-standing characters like Nish Panesar will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the show’s future.
David Wicks’ return, coinciding with the show’s 40th anniversary, promises to be a pivotal moment, offering fans a nostalgic connection to the past while introducing new drama. Meanwhile, Shirley Carter’s eventual return is sure to reignite tensions within the Carter family and bring even more emotional depth to the show’s ongoing arcs.
As always, *EastEnders* promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its signature mix of high drama, family tensions, and unexpected twists. With such a dynamic cast shake-up, 2024 is shaping up to be a year full of memorable moments and gripping storylines in Walford. Fans won’t want to miss a single episode as these exciting developments unfold!
