BBC EastEnders' Matt Di Angelo's huge transformation 18 year since soap

Actress Maisie Smith has teased a potential return to Eastenders years after her character was last seen in Albert Square.

Shona McGarty has been filming her final scenes as Whitney Dean, ahead of exit from EastEnders after nearly two decads in the much-loved role. The actress, 32, has played Whitney since her first appearance in Albert Square back in 2008, and has had a number of dramatic storylines including childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and pregnancy loss. Her most recent storylines saw Whitney discover she was pregnant just months after losing her baby daughter Peach after giving birth to her 18 weeks into the pregnancy following a diagnosis of Edwards' syndrome.

Fans of BBC soap EastEnders are preparing to say goodbye to a legend. Actress Tameka Empson, who brings Kim Fox to life on screen, is temporarily exiting Albert Square as she embarks on an exciting new adventure. On Monday's edition of The One Show, 22 January, Tameka shared the news of her departure, assuring fans: "Kim's gonna be okay! She's gonna be ok - she's going on a nice cruise with Howie and the children.

James Alexandrou, who played the original Martin Fowler, has revealed he will soon be stepping foot back in Walford 17 years on from his exit as the 38-year-old takes on a new role on EastEnders.

Hot on the heels of this year’s explosive Christmas whodunnit storyline, EastEnders fans have high hopes for the soap’s 40th anniversary next year after several eagled eyed fans claim to have spotted proof that two characters will be returning from the dead. According to fans, Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell could be making a come back, despite having being killed off on screen! Of course, death has never been a barrier to other characters from returning, with Dirty Den Watts, Kathy Beale and Cindy Beale all having returned to the soap after previously being killed on the soap.

EastEnders fans were left incredibly disappointed as their favourite BBC soap was unfortunately pulled from today's schedule, 16 January. BBC bosses chose to remove the serial drama from its usual slot as a result of scheduling conflicts.

Michelle Trachtenberg first made a name for herself way back in 2000, when she was cast as Dawn Summers in the American supernatural drama, Buffy The Vampire Slayer. At the time of joining the show, Michelle was just 15 years old, however, she had already starred in an array of TV shows and films before her big break in Buffy. From her starring role in the Nickelodeon series, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, plus, the network's 1996 comedy film, Harriet the Spy, Michelle was also cast in the 1997 CBS sitcom, Meego.

EastEnders fans have been left cringing over Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) nickname for her dad Jack (Scott Maslen). Following her dramatic return to Albert Square, Penny has been referring to her dad as "Big Man Jack", something that fans have complained has left them feeling rather grossed out.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer complained: "'Big man Jack' is not cute. It’s a really weird name to give your own dad.

EastEnders fans have been left on the edge of their seats as Nish Panesar's fate was revealed after the Christmas attack.The baddie, who was nearly killed off during a massive showdown on Christmas Day, survived his injuries after Denise Fox hit him over the head with a glass bottle. The drama didn't stop there, as Sharon Watts announced Nish was dead, only for Keanu Taylor to walk in and see everything. As he tried to run away with Sharon's son Albie, she told him that he wasn't Albie's dad, leading to a big argument.Things took a turn for the worse when Keanu became violent and tried to strangle Sharon, which led to Linda Carter stabbing and killing him.

Linda Carter is set for more drama in EastEnders following the return of Lauren Branning, who will soon uncover the truth about baby Annie's paternity. Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) made her highly anticipated return to EastEnders on New Year's Day, but didn't quite make it to Albert Square after being arrested in the airport. However, she will soon be released after cousin Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) confession.

Since first arriving on our screens last Summer, it’s safe to say that George Knight hasn’t had the easiest time in EastEnders after finding out his wife, Rose Knight, was actually Cindy Beale all along. Yet while he appeared to have been able to take the revelation in his stride, one truth that may break the famed boxer completely is the news that his adoptive parents had been paid to take him in.

EastEnders' Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) is set to make a big decision in tonight's episode following her shocking pregnancy news.The character confides in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) after a fallout with her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar), ahead of her departure from the popular BBC soap. Last year, Whitney and Zack were heartbroken when they discovered their unborn baby girl had Edwards' syndrome. Despite starting the process of termination, Whitney gave birth to their daughter Peach 18 weeks into the pregnancy.

EastEnders' Penny Branning made a dramatic comeback to the BBC soap this week, but who is she and what's her story? Penny is Jack Branning's daughter and has been off-screen since 2008. She uses a wheelchair as she is paralysed from the waist down, a fact revealed during her first stint on the show. Not everyone knew about Penny, even though she adored her dad.

Rita Simons has sparked concern among her fans, after sharing that she has not been eating or sleep properly over the last few weeks. The former EastEnders star, 46, took to Instagram on New Year's Day, where she shared a video clip of a vitamin IV drip being administered into her arm.

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) made a dramatic return to Albert Square, alongside her son Louie Beale, with fans quick to notice that the youngster has been recast. Last year Louie appeared as part of Cindy Beale's (Michelle Collins) return, as it emerged that she was living in France with husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and son Peter (Thomas Law), who is Louie's father. In this storyline, the eight year old was played by Freddie Harrington, but now Jake McNally is in the role.

An EastEnders star has told how he was 'mortified' by having to do nude scenes in a role before achieving fame on the BBC soap. Ben Hardy, who celebrates his 33rd birthday today, Tuesday 2 January, played Peter Beale from 2013 to 2015, before actor Thomas Law's return to the role. But prior to his soap career, the star of Bohemian Rhapsody took on one of his most challenging roles.

EastEnders star Michelle Collins has been left stranded in Spain after jetting off to celebrate the New Year.The actress, 61, who recently returned to the role of Cindy Beale, was left asking for help after she lost her passport while abroad.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Michelle reached out to EasyJet as she tried to work out a way back to the UK. She wrote: "Please @easyJet can you help me I have lost my passport at Malaga airport the police (I have been there ) say it is up to the airline to let me fly home, my flight is at 8:30 pm tonight I am heading to the airport having just left the police station .Thank you Michele x" Returning to social media, Michelle then followed this with: "Nobody is very helpful @easyJet this is awful" She later shared that she had not be allowed to fly, writing: "Thank you most of you for your helpful comments.

EastEnders fans were thrilled with Jacqueline Jossa's big comeback as Lauren Branning in a surprising turn of events. Lauren has been living in Paris, France with her cousin Penny Branning, but during the latest episode, she decides to reconnect with her former flame Peter Beale and makes her way back to Walford. Even though Peter is out and about meeting all the ladies of Walford, Lauren seems to still hold a torch for him, despite previously swearing off seeing him again after his lies relating to Cindy.

EastEnders star Brian Conley has finally spoken out after his character, Rocky Cotton, was arrested and said an emotional farewell in Friday's episode. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 62 year old actor had decided to leave the popular BBC One soap, two years after joining in 2021.

EastEnders star Max Bowden has spoken out after news of his emotional exit from the BBC soap following four years playing fan favourite Ben Mitchell.