Entertainment
Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2023? Who’s returning and joining?
Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2023? After several exits already and some heartbreaking tragedy we know we’ve got one more death at least to follow Lola’s devastating farewell.
And we’ve had some very exciting returns with Peter Beale and Ian Beale coming back to Albert Square along with the once-dead Cindy Beale!
But with some super dramatic stories in the pipeline, there are bound to be some more surprises in store.
EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw has confirmed there are more returns in the pipeline – and one more has been announced – Lauren Branning is coming back to Walford.
Here’s a round up of who is leaving, returning and joining the cast of EastEnders in 2023.
Who’s 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 will be leaving EastEnders before the end of 2023?
So far guesses are focused on the Panesar family with Nish and Ravi leading the betting. But is that just too obvious?
Rocky Cotton
It’s been confirmed that newlywed Rocky will be leaving Albert Square. Rumours were rife that Brian Conley, who plays cheeky chappy Rocky had fallen out with the show’s bosses and was leaving because of that.
But now Enders have confirmed that Rocky’s going – and it’s not because of any arguments.
“We can confirm that Brian Conley will be leaving EastEnders. There is absolutely no truth in any claims of a feud with bosses and the show fully support Brian in his decision to leave which was made some time ago. We wish him the best of luck for the future as we continue to work towards his exit storyline which has been in the works for some time.”
So how will Rocky be leaving? Could he be one of the victims of the rumoured fire that will sweep through the cafe later this year?
Karen Taylor
Another potential victim of the blaze could be Karen Taylor, who’s also been confirmed as leaving Walford later this year.
Lorraine Stanley, who plays the mouthy matriarch, will be leaving her role as Karen, who she’s played for six years.
She wrote on her Instagram that was sad to be saying goodbye, but added that she was looking forward to what comes next.
And we’re looking forward to seeing how Karen waves farewell!
Whitney Dean
Whit’s part of the wallpaper in Albert Square, having been in the show since she was a teenager – 15 years ago.
Since then she’s been through all sorts of heartache, including the shocking reveal that teen Whitney had been groomed and raped by Tony King.
She’s been sexually exploited, she’s been married and divorced, jilted at the altar, snogged married Mick Carter, said a tragic goodbye to her baby, Peach, and even killed her stalker in self defence!
And now it seems she’s finally found happiness with Zack Hudson only for us to be told she’s off? We’re devastated, frankly! And we’re keeping everything crossed that Whit gets the happy ending she deserves.
Who’s returning to EastEnders in 2023?
Lauren Branning
EastEnders has confirmed that Jacqueline Jossa is reprising her role of Lauren Branning permanently. Lauren was last seen in France when she met up with Peter Beale and their son, Louie.
Peter and Lauren seemed to be growing closer again, but she was horrified to find out he had been keeping the secret his mother, Cindy, was still alive. Lauren couldn’t get over the betrayal and ditched him.
But why will she return to Walford this time? Is a reunion with Peter back on the cards? Or does she know about her secret sister living at The Vic?
On reprising the role, Jacqueline Jossa said: “I’m really excited! It’s such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment, and I’ve been watching and loving it like a fan. Walford holds such a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home.”
Shirley Carter
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?
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.”
Recently it was confirmed that Kim is back filming so Sam’s return has to be soon!
But what will bring her back to Walford? We can guess it’ll be plenty of drama!
Who’s joining EastEnders?
Priya and Avani
Ravi Gulati has tried hard to keep his son, Nugget, away from his mother, Priya since their bitter split. But Ravi’s in for a shock when Priya turns up in Walford.
And that’s not all – he finds out he’s got a secret daughter with Priya, called Avani. Priya never told Ravi she was pregnant again and chose to raise their daughter alone.
Sophie Khan Levy will play Priya Nandra-Hart. She has previously been in TV dramas such as The Sixth Commandment and All Creatures Great and Small. Meanwhile, Avani Nandra-Hart will be played by newcomer Aaliyah James, who will make her television debut when Avani turns up in Walford.
Executive producer of EastEnders Chris Clenshaw says: “We’re excited to introduce Priya and Avani, two women guaranteed to cause big drama in Albert Square.
“Little is known about Ravi and Priya’s doomed romance, but she’s a big missing piece in his past. The revelation that he’s got another child will floor Ravi, and he is set to face a big challenge in his life when he is forced to cope with such a big shock to the system.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sophie and Aaliyah to the EastEnders family.”
Priya and Avani will arrive this autumn.
Read more: Complete EastEnders cast list for 2023 – meet them all here
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!
**This article is updated regularly to reflect the ongoing changes in the EastEnders cast.
Entertainment
Viewers surprised as Shayne Ward lands in dance-off as Nick Knowles sent home
The Strictly Come Dancing results are in and it’s bad news for injury-struck Nick Knowles.
Nick and Luba Mushtuk danced their Movie Week Charleston on the show last night (October 12). However, after battling back from not one but two injuries, there was one mountain that Nick sadly couldn’t climb…
Strictly results: Nick bids farewell to the show
Tonight’s Strictly results show saw Nick and Luba in the dance-off against Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu.
Both couples performed their routines again. Shayne and Nancy danced their cha cha to Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use) by Sub Sub featuring Melanie Williams. Then, Nick and Luba performed their Charleston to Rain on the Roof from the film Paddington 2.
After both couples had danced for a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts. Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Shayne and Nancy. Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke also voted to save Shayne and Nancy.
With three votes in favour of Shayne and Nancy, they won the majority vote, meaning that Nick and Luba would be leaving the competition. Head judge Shirley Ballas also agreed and said she would have decided to save Shayne and Nancy.
‘I’ve loved doing it’
When asked by Tess Daly about their time on the show, Nick said: “I’ve really, really been surprised by how much I’ve loved doing it and by two things that happen. One is how much you care each week, and the other is how much you don’t want to let down your partner. The only reason I could do this is simply because of Luba’s changes, she’s been amazing.”
Luba added: “I’ve never met someone as determined as you, and I remember you saying that if you do your best, you’ll be very happy. I think you did more than your best. Thank you.”
When asked by Tess about his partner Luba, Nick said: “Luba’s been amazing and just been so fabulous every day. And I should say thank you also to all the background staff, the physios, all the people that have actually got me through this week, and to all of my fellow competitors who have been absolutely astounding, beautiful people. There are some amazing dancers up there, and I will love watching the rest of the series.”
Viewers react
While Strictly fans said it was the “correct result”, many were shocked that Shayne found himself in the bottom two.
“The correct result although I’m shocked by other person who ended up in the dance-off, especially as they’ve had a few strong weeks recently. It just goes to show nobody is safe,” said one.
“The right result, he just wasn’t fit and able to give it 100%. Looks like Shayne not as popular as he thinks!” another said.
“Thought it may have Dr Punam [Krishan] vs Nick in the dance off this week… Surprised at Shayne tho,” said another. “Wow, surprised to see Shayne in the dance-off but predicted Nick. Right choice to go. I hope he can fully recovery from those injuries,” another then added.
“Wow, shocked about Shayne!! He was quite good, I thought either Punam or Sam [Quek] would be down there!!” said another.
“Really surprised Shayne was down there!!” another agreed.
Read more: Luba Mushtuk hits back at claims she made complaint about Nick Knowles’ fiancée
So did the right couple go? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Entertainment
Strictly star Shayne Ward delays wedding due to appearance on BBC show
Strictly star Shayne Ward has revealed he’s had to put his wedding plans on hold due to him taking part in the glitzy BBC One show.
Singer and actor Shayne is one of many famous faces taking part in this year’s series of Strictly – and its latest results show airs today (October 13). Partnered with Nancy Xu, Shayne has gone down a treat with fans, showing off his impressive moves.
Away from the dance floor though, Shayne is engaged to Sophie Austin. However, any plans of them tying the knot are on hold.
Singer Shayne Ward on Strictly 2024
Shayne has been with actress Sophie since 2016. Shayne and Sophie – who has appeared in the likes of Hollyoaks and Doctors – got engaged in December 2017.
A year prior, they welcomed their first child, daughter Willow May. In June 2022, Shayne and Sophie had a second child, a son named Reign Thomas Austin Ward.
However, it seems Strictly has thrown a spanner in the works for Shayne and Sophie’s upcoming nuptials.
Shayne Ward puts wedding on hold
“It’ll be happening,” Shayne told The Mirror recently. He added: “Sophie and I were actually looking at the end of this year, but we couldn’t because this incredible show happened.”
Shayne went on: “Strictly came along, and so we had to put the wedding on hold. I’ve joked that maybe we could do both together, and get married after the results show. But we have plenty of time.”
It’s not the first time Shayne and Sophie had to postpone their wedding. The pair previously had to move things around during the pandemic.
He previously told Lorraine Kelly: “We spoke about it and that was what was nice about it. Everything can wait, there is no rush. But we’re together for life and that is the main thing, we’re together regardless.”
Strictly Come Dancing The Results Show airs on Sunday (October 13) at 7:20pm on BBC One.
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
Are you a fan of Shayne on the show? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
Entertainment
‘I just thought the whole thing was pointless’
Rob Rinder once made a sad confession about his childhood, admitting he felt “out of place”.
The TV favourite shot to fame thanks to his role on ITV’s Judge Rinder. Since then, he’s bagged appearances in the likes of Good Morning Britain, Celebrity Gogglebox and Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby – which is on today (October 13).
However, growing up, it wasn’t always easy for the beloved presenter…
Rob Rinder on feeling ‘out of place’ as a child
Rob grew up in the north London suburb of Southgate. His father was a taxi driver and his mother started her own publishing business from her bedroom. Rob went to grammar school, then headed off to the University of Manchester where he studied politics and modern history at the University of Manchester, graduating with first-class honours.
Speaking to The Guardian in 2023, Rob was quizzed on whether he felt out of place, to which he said: “There are two answers to that – yes and no, which is not very helpful.”
Rob explained: “The no is, I think, being gay and growing up in a working-class community, you intuitively understand you’re outside, from the moment of consciousness of being gay, or even being culturally curious.”
He then went on to say how “in the silliest way” he felt “a different sort of impostor syndrome”. Rob added: “I didn’t suit the condition of childhood at all well. I just thought the whole thing was pointless.”
Rob Rinder’s love life
Back in 2013, Rob tied the knot with fellow barrister Seth Cumming at a ceremony in Ibiza. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch officiated the civil ceremony. After five years of marriage, however, their romance came to an end in 2018.
It was later reported that Rob was “very upset” about the split – and had made a vow not to speak about his personal life.
“It’s very sad news but Rob is separating from his partner of 11-and-a-half years,” a source told The Sun at the time. “He’s very upset about the situation, but the split is amicable and no one else is involved,” they then continued.
“Rob has never spoken about his relationship and nothing will change on that front. He very much wants to focus on his work, including Judge Rinder on ITV which he absolutely adores.”
Watch Rob Rinder on Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby on Sunday (October 13) at 6:00pm on BBC Two.
Read more: Kate Garraway tells Rob Rinder ‘shut up’ live on GMB: ‘I’m doing the best I can!’
So did you have a similar experience as a child? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
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