Eurovision Song Contest legend joins EastEnders after ‘rubbish’ audition

Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2023? After several exits already this year we know there’s more tragedy on the way. At least two deaths are expected, so who is making their exit from the soap?

It’s not all doom and gloom – a new family have been confirmed to join the show. Strictly stars Colin Salmon and Molly Rainford are at the head.

And, a Eurovision legend is also arriving in Walford. But why do they turn up?

Here’s a round up of who is leaving, returning and joining the cast of EastEnders in 2023.

Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2023?

Lola Pearce

Lola Pearce, played by Danielle Harold, is set to leave the soap after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

In heartbreaking scenes last year, Lola was told her tumour was inoperable. She is now having treatment to prolong her life, but was recently told her tumour is progressing. Lola has just six months to live.

Danielle Harold, who plays Lola, has spoken out on the storyline.

“It means so much to be trusted with a storyline like this – one that’s close to many people’s hearts,” she said.

“Sadly many of our viewers will be able to relate to Lola’s story. It’s been heartbreaking to speak to the families affected by brain tumours and hear their stories.

“They’ve been so amazing in sharing their experiences with me. I’m so lucky to have them. I wouldn’t be able to do this storyline without their support.”

Chris Clenshaw, executive producer of EastEnders added: “It was vital for us to work alongside Macmillan and Brain Tumour Research to take on, and accurately present, such a profound and emotional storyline for Lola, one that many viewers may relate to.

“Danielle [Harold] has thoughtfully relayed the realities of being diagnosed with a brain tumour with grace and understanding.

“We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and accurately as possible.”

Who else is leaving EastEnders in 2023?

The biggest exit confirmed for this year remains a mystery. In flashforward scenes aired in February we discovered there will be a death at Christmas.

So far, the only clues we have are that it is a male and he will die in The Vic. There was a close-up shot of his cufflinks, so we’re guessing that’s another big hint.

Scenes showed Sharon, Denise, Stacey, Kathy, Suki and Linda standing over the dead body. They all looked shocked and Stacey was covered in blood.

Sharon – in a wedding dress – leant over the body and checked his pulse. She declared: “He’s dead.”

But who is he? Who else will be leaving EastEnders before the end of 2023?

Who’s returning to EastEnders in 2023?

It’s fair to say Walford hasn’t been kind to Shirley Carter. She left at the end of December 2022 after her son, Mick Carter disappeared at sea.

Following the death of her sister Tina Carter the previous year, she felt too haunted by their ghosts to stick around.

However, the good news is Shirl will return!

An EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: “Linda Henry will be returning to EastEnders.”

But, how soon will it be before Shirley returns back home? And what will the reception be on her return? After Linda received a photograph of Shirley with rapist Dean Wicks in the background, will Shirl we welcomed back with open arms?

Duncan Boyd

Sharon Watts’ former fiancé Duncan Boyd will be returning to EastEnders for a guest stint. He’ll appear later in April.

David Gillespie is reprising his role. He first appeared in the soap in 1987 as the curate of the local church.

When Sharon sought comfort in the church as an escape from her rowing parents, she met Duncan and developed feelings for him. They got engaged, but when he was offered a new job in Wiltshire, Sharon called it off, not wanting to move.

Duncan is back to officiate baby Albie’s christening. It’s quite a shock for both him and Sharon when they meet again. His return is brief, but certainly set to ruffle some feathers!

Of his comeback, David says: “I have to say what a pleasure it was being back in EastEnders reviving my role as Duncan after over 30 years of leaving the show – a little strange at first but ‘nice strange’.

“The only people I knew were my old mates Letitia [Dean, Sharon] and Gillian [Taylforth, Kathy] but I was made to feel instantly at home by such a wonderful cast and great crew – lots of new friends. Fabulous!”

Sam Mitchell

Wanting to provide for her son, Ricky Jr, and his unborn baby, Sam Mitchell recently left Walford for a lucrative new job in Spain.

However, the soap has confirmed this is not a permanent exit for her. She will be back!

An EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: “We can confirm that Sam Mitchell has not left Walford for good and Kim Medcalf will be returning to EastEnders.”

But what will bring her back to Walford? We can guess it’ll be plenty of drama!

Who’s joining EastEnders?

The Knight family

EastEnders has announced that Linda Carter’s mum, Elaine Peacock, will become the new co-owner of The Vic. And she will bring her new family to the pub with her: the Knights. They will arrive in early summer.

Former Strictly Come Dancing stars Molly Rainford and Colin Salmon are heading to Walford as part of the new clan. Molly appeared in the 2022 series of Strictly, with Colin appearing back in 2012.

Molly will be playing the role of Anna Knight, Francesca Henry also stars as her sister Gina Knight and Colin plays family patriarch, George Knight. Elaine Peacock, previously played by Maria Friedman, will be now be played by Harriet Thorpe.

EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw revealed: “The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square.

“George Knight is a charming rogue and an old-school gent who dotes on his two daughters, Gina and Anna. George will take up residence in The Queen Vic when he joins his beloved Elaine, a powerhouse of a landlady who knows just how to have fun.

“The couple will be joined by feisty, determined and demanding Gina, who is as sharp and cool as cut diamonds but with a temper that blazes like fire, whereas younger sister, Anna is fun, loveable, and big-hearted, but don’t underestimate her.”

Cheryl Baker

Eurovision star Cheryl Baker is set to appear in EastEnders to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Cheryl, who triumphed in 1981 as part of the band Bucks Fizz (now known as The Fizz), will somehow end up celebrating in Walford as Eurovision fever hits the Square.

Speaking on her guest appearance, Cheryl said: “I was so thrilled to be asked to take part in an episode of EastEnders. It’s a British institution, for goodness sake! As a real-life ‘Eastender’, I have loved the show since day one and I literally can’t wipe the smile from my face.”

Cheryl has previously told how she auditioned for the soap in 2021 and messed it up. She revealed all in an interview with the Daily Star.

“I auditioned for EastEnders recently but I didn’t get the part. I was a bit rubbish really,” she told them.

Cheryl then added: “I was a bit nervous and didn’t learn my lines properly. I don’t watch any soaps – I’m not a big TV watcher at all. I think it was the part of the woman who runs the theatre school, which is something that I’ve done in the past.

“It was in the midst of lockdown, my daughter was reading the other part and to be perfectly honest I didn’t learn my lines properly. I didn’t deserve the part. However, I’d like them to give me a second chance.”

Looks like she got her wish!

Read more: Complete EastEnders cast list for 2023 – meet them all here

EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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**This article is updated regularly to reflect the ongoing changes in the EastEnders cast.