BBC EastEnders' Whitney Dean displays huge baby bump as Shona McGarty films final soap scenes

Ever since George Knight’s parents arrived in Albert Square earlier this year, the EastEnders newcomer has found his life turned upside down as secret after secret emerged regarding his identity. For all of his life George had known he was adopted by a white family, but in recent weeks it had since transpired that George was actually adopted via a process called “farming” in which wealthy white families were paid to adopt black children during the 60s and 70s.

Johnny Carter is heading back to EastEnders to help his mum Linda Carter - but will be played by a brand new face. Charlie Suff is stepping into Johnny's shoes, taking over the role previously played by Sam Strike and Ted Reilly.The actor shared some exciting details about Johnny's return, saying: "Johnny is back in Walford because he has caught wind from his Gran that things aren't going too well for Linda.There's a lot of worry about his mum, and the family needs Johnny back home to steer the ship and get things back on track.There is a lot going on! He is absolutely devastated." He added: "It's too much of a shock for him to understand the implications of the state Linda is in immediately.

Ever since Nish Panesar arrived in EastEnders back in September 2022, the Walford bad boy has made a name for himself in Albert Square as a no nonsense businessman with a brutal and often sinister side to him. For months, Nish emotionally abused his wife Suki Panesar and even attempted to kill her lover Eve Unwin after he rumbled the illicit affair going on right under his nose, however after the explosive events of Christmas Day it initially looked as though his luck was starting to run out.

EastEnders' legend Diane Parish is best known for her role as Denise Fox, but actually had a challenging part on the soap before her debut as Denise. The actress first appeared as Denise in 2006 and has since become a fan favourite with numerous dramatic storylines. Before Denise, Diane played another character on EastEnders, Lola Christie, in 1998, who was introduced as the girlfriend of Walford resident Mick McFarlane, played by Sylvester Williams.

Everyone's soap favourite, Bobby Brazier, who recently wowed us on Strictly Come Dancing, has shared his excitement for returning to EastEnders.The 20 year old actor took a break from the popular BBC soap to show off his dance moves alongside partner Dianne Buswell in the latest series. Bobby became a fan-favourite for playing Freddie Slater on EastEnders during 2022. His work won him a National Television Award but he decided to hit pause on his soap career so he could take centre stage on Strictly.

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

A much-loved EastEnders star is making a TV comeback in a viewers' favourite TV show, after 13 years away from the series. Sean Maguire, who famously played Aidan Brosnan on EastEnders in 1993, is set to star in the brand-new series of Death in Paradise when it returns to our screens next month.

The Traitors continued on Wednesday as latest recruit Ross had a game plan as he still didn't want to disclose that Diane was his mum, and hinted at his revenge of taking one of them out if need be.

Comedian Bobby Davro has had a minor stroke after fainting at a comedy show.The former EastEnders star had just finished his performance and received a standing ovation from the audience at his sold-out gig. Bobby, 65, had a 'funny turn' at the Coulsdon Comedy Club in South London last Thursday night.This happened after he had to cancel shows because he fell ill during a performance. The much loved star had been having a tough time lately, after his late fiancee Vicky Wright passed away in May last year.

Lorraine Stanley is set to reprise her EastEnders role, with Karen Taylor returning to Albert Square following her son's disappearance. Karen had recently left Albert Square and moved to sunny Spain after she took the blame for kidnapping Albie, with residents of Walford later discovering that it was actually her son Keanu who was responsible for this.

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.

EastEnders fans believe they may have rumbled a huge twist on the horizon after Gina Knight and Dean Wicks’ secret romance was exposed during this week’s first visit to Walford. As regular viewers will know, Gina has been secretly dating rapist Dean Wicks - who brutally assaulted Linda Carter during his previous stint in Albert Square - but has kept things out of the spotlight so as not to upset her family, in particular her father George Knight who happens to be dating Linda’s mum Elaine! Given Dean’s history, much of Walford has been less than impressed with his return to the Square, but despite knowing the allegations against him, Gina declared that she believes him over Linda, in scenes that fans are convinced may be part of a bigger plot to expose his ways.

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.

It’s been four years since Bianca Jackson last visited her hometown of Walford, but actress Patsy Palmer reveals she’s coming back to EastEnders this spring. Fans believe Patsy’s return will tie in with the exit of her on-screen daughter, Whitney Dean played by Shona McGarty, who confirmed last year that she would soon be leaving the show. It’s not easy for Patsy to make the trip over to the BBC soap, because while her character Bianca lives in Milton Keynes, Patsy has lived in Malibu for the last 10 years.

2024 is set to be a tough year for Albert Square and its residents, thanks to three Walford legends bidding their farewells. One of the actors saying his final goodbyes to EastEnders after years of service is - ironically - James Bye, who has played the role of Martin Fowler since 2014.

After five years away from Walford, EastEnders fans are in for a treat as soap legend Patsy Palmer has officially been spotted on set after agreeing to reprise her iconic role in the BBC soap. Patsy, who is best known to fans for playing Bianca Jackson in the soap revealed earlier this month that she had agreed to return to the soap and bring a touch of her trademark charm back to Walford.

EastEnders viewers were treated to some super tense moments in Thursday night's episode as Sam Mitchell left Albert Square after causing carnage at the Queen Vic After learning that she had been left a staggering £100,000 in her Aunt Sal's will - along with Phil and Grant's share - she confronted brother Phil to demand her share of the money. Unimpressed when he refused to hand it over, she decided to resort to blackmail after discovering that Phil had cheated on his wife Kat - something she learned from Alfie Moon.

EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy has revealed she is feeling 'very ill' and has had to take time off from filming on the BBC One soap, throwing filming into chaos. She shared on Instagram: "Poorly.The only time I will ever get to watch the South Bank Show Originals.

EastEnders' Denise Fox might be leaving the show soon, as fans have spotted a clue that could signal her exit. Denise recently left some important evidence at the place where Keanu Taylor's body was buried, which could lead the police straight to her. The Six, including Denise, Kathy Beale, Sharon Watts, Suki Panesar, Stacey Slater and Linda Carter, were seen hiding Keanu's body under the floor of the burnt-out café.

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.