Soap Movers: Who's leaving, returning and joining in EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks?
With the soap world as busy as ever for comings and goings, here’s our Soap Movers page as we keep track of all the new arrivals, shock exits and returning characters that we can look forward to over the coming weeks and months.
Our table covers EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Neighbours and Home and Away – so bookmark us and keep checking back for the latest updates as they come in.
Latest update: August 15
Jump to your favourite soap…
- EastEnders
- Coronation Street
- Emmerdale
- Hollyoaks
- Neighbours
- Home and Away
EASTENDERS
Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes)
Status: Joining
When: August 2018
More info: Local dentist Adam is a new love interest for Honey, and asks her out after she becomes one of his patients next week.
Does this mean Billy has lost Honey for good?
Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton)
Status: Returning
When: 2018
More info: In one of Soapland’s most surprising comebacks, it’s been announced that Louisa Lytton will be reprising her role as Ruby Allen after 12 years away from the Walford drama.
Louisa revealed: “EastEnders was my first acting job out of drama school and opened so many doors for me.
“It’s wonderful to be given the opportunity to come back and explore my character and I’m excited to see what’s in store for Ruby.
“We last saw her 12 years ago as a young girl and now she is returning as a woman with scope for major change and some brilliantly challenging storylines.”
Ray Kelly (Sean Mahon)
Status: Arriving
When: 2018
More info: Former Red Rock actor Sean Mahon has been cast in EastEnders as Mel Owen’s ex Ray Kelly. Described as a man who thrives on danger and isn’t to be trusted, Ray will be arriving later in the summer for an explosive storyline.
Sean explained: “I remember watching the very first episode of EastEnders back in 1985, little did I think I would be roaming the streets of Walford and hanging out at The Queen Vic all these years later.
“I’m so happy to join such an incredibly hard-working and talented team and I’m very much looking forward to playing out the drama that inevitably ensues on any given day in Albert Square.
“My character Ray Kelly is not one to tread lightly, and his arrival to the Square will cause shockwaves for many of the residents… it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Doctor Harold Legg (Leonard Fenton)
Status: Returning
When: Autumn 2018
More info: A legend returns! Leonard Fenton has signed up to reprise his role as Doctor Legg, 11 years after his last appearance in the show. While little more is known about the storyline at the moment, we know that he’ll be reuniting with his old friend Dot Branning.
Speaking about his return, Leonard commented: “I am very happy to be back at EastEnders and am looking forward to working with June and the rest of the cast and crew again.”
EastEnders‘ executive consultant John Yorke added: “It’s a huge honour to have Leonard back in the show and to see him and June working together again for an exciting and emotional story.”
Alfie Moon (Shane Richie)
Status: Returning
When: 2018
More info: EastEnders fans recently saw Alfie return for a couple of episodes, when he was revealed as the father of Hayley Slater’s baby.
Speaking at the time, Shane Richie – who plays him – commented: “[This] actually raises more questions so this is certainly not the last you will see of Alfie but I can’t say any more than that!”
Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford)
Status: Leaving
When: 2018
More info: Bonnie Langford has announced that she’ll be leaving EastEnders towards the end of the year, following her involvement in the show’s topical knife crime storyline.
Speaking about her departure, Bonnie said: “I’ve had a wonderful three and a half years at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to be part of such an iconic show.
“My current storyline has been such an incredible experience and I’m honoured to be part of something so powerful and poignant.
“However as I’ve known since the beginning of this storyline, it would always lead to Carmel having to take a break from Walford. I’m not leaving just yet though and there is still plenty more to come from Carmel.”
CORONATION STREET
Hassan Habeeb (Kriss Dosanjh)
Status: Leaving
When: August 17
More info: Corrie bosses have confirmed that there’s a heartbreaking time ahead for Imran and Rana, as their father passes away in hospital following his stroke.
Kriss Dosanjh has played the role on and off since 2016.
Sabine Habeeb (Avita Jay)
Status: Joining
When: August 20
More info: Sabine is the ex-wife of Imran, who comes face-to-face with him at the funeral of his father Hassan next week.
With unfinished business between the former couple, will Sabine bring trouble to the cobbles?
Paula Cunliffe (Stirling Gallacher)
Status: Joining
When: August 2018
More info: Former Doctors actress Stirling Gallacher has been cast as successful lawyer Paula, who’ll be a new love interest for Sophie Webster.
Paula meets Sophie while giving Sally some legal advice – and it’s fair to say that Sal won’t be the biggest supporter of her daughter’s new romance!
Henry Newton (George Banks)
Status: Leaving
When: Summer 2018
More info: Gemma’s love interest Henry is currently back on screen for another stint, but it looks like it’ll all end in tears.
Corrie star Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) recently confirmed that George Banks, who plays Henry, has already filmed his final scenes.
Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson)
Status: Returning
When: 2018
More info: It’s official! Corrie bosses are bringing back Steve’s dad Jim this year – and as always, he’s sure to bring trouble with him. Charles Lawson, who plays Jim, told The Mirror: “They wanted me back full time this year but I couldn’t do it as I am doing Rebus on stage, and a thriller. I’m going to film a bit but then will be back again next year.”
A Coronation Street spokesperson added: “Jim is such a hugely popular character. We’re delighted he is coming back for what will be a typically explosive Jim storyline.”
Hannah / Katie McDonald (Hannah Ellis Ryan)
Status: Arriving
When: 2018
More info: Hannah Ellis Ryan has been cast as Jim and Liz McDonald’s long-lost daughter Katie.
Katie, now known as Hannah, was born prematurely in 1992 and was thought to have passed away shortly after birth, but a shock new storyline will see the big revelation that she actually survived – turning Liz’s world upside-down.
Vicky Jefferies (Kerri Quinn)
Status: Arriving
When: September 2018
More info: Corrie bosses have cast Kerri Quinn as Vicky Jefferies, the mother of troublesome gang leader Tyler.
It’s thought that Vicky will feature in several episodes this autumn, when the show revisits Simon’s recent involvement with Tyler.
Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman)
Status: Arriving
When: September 2018
More info: Maureen Lipman has been cast as Evelyn Plummer, who’s the grandmother of Tyrone Dobbs. Evelyn comes into Tyrone’s life when he decides to search his family history following the death of his mum Jackie.
Billed as an “outspoken battleaxe”, Evelyn quickly starts ruling the roost at Number 9 and it isn’t long before she starts to ruffle a few feathers elsewhere on the Street too.
Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod commented: “I am beyond thrilled that we are introducing such a great new character, played by someone of Maureen’s pedigree. Evelyn is eye-wateringly withering and will add a fresh dollop of northern humour to the show as she turns Tyrone and Fiz’s lives upside down.”
Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn)
Status: Returning
When: Summer 2018
More info: Local footballer Tommy appeared briefly in 2016, when he hired Michelle Connor as his wedding planner.
Former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star Matt Milburn will now be reprising the role for a guest appearance, attending Jack Webster’s ‘welcome home’ party as a treat for the youngster when he returns from Liverpool.
Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine)
Status: Leaving
When: 2018
More info: Jennie McAlpine recently announced the happy news that she’s pregnant with her second child. Jennie and her husband Chris Farr are already parents to 3-year-old Albert.
Jennie will be taking maternity leave later this year.
Nick Tilsley (Ben Price)
Status: Returning
When: October 2018
More info: Ben Price will reprise his role as Nick Tilsley in a few months’ time – just one year after he left.
It’s thought that Corrie‘s team are still working on a comeback plot for Nick, but with so many dramas for the Platt family at the moment, there are plenty of reasons for him to return.
EMMERDALE
Ross Barton (Michael Parr)
Status: Leaving
When: 2018
More info: After playing bad boy Ross since 2013, Michael Parr has decided that it’s time to explore other opportunities and will bow out later this year.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks recently commented: “Michael Parr will leave Emmerdale later this year at the end of his current contract. His decision to pursue other acting opportunities has given the writing team the opportunity to create an intriguing storyline for his exit.
“Michael will leave the show on a high after brilliantly portraying Ross for five years.”
Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi)
Status: Returning
When: TBC
More info: Roxy Shahidi is currently on maternity leave and her temporary exit scenes aired last month.
We’ve since found out about David sleeping with Leyla before she left the village, so it seems like the writers are already sowing the seeds for a dramatic return plot.
HOLLYOAKS
Holly Cunningham (Amanda Clapham)
Status: Leaving
When: September 2018
More info: Amanda Clapham has decided to leave Hollyoaks after five years playing the fifth incarnation of the character.
It’s thought that Holly will make her final appearance on screen in September.
Sinead O’Connor (Stephanie Davis)
Status: Returning
When: Autumn 2018
More info: In Soapland’s most surprising return of the year, Hollyoaks bosses have invited Stephanie Davis back to play Sinead O’Connor – three years after sacking the actress for her off-screen behaviour.
Hollyoaks‘ executive producer Bryan Kirkwood commented: “I am delighted that Stephanie is returning, she’s a hugely talented actress who has worked hard to overcome some personal issues.
“We welcome her return to Hollyoaks to reprise her role as Sinead O’Connor, a brilliant and vibrant character who the audience love. Sinead will make a return to the Hutchinsons family in autumn, no doubt bringing drama in tow.”
Ellie Nightingale (Sophie Porley)
Status: Leaving
When: 2018
More info: Hollyoaks insiders have confirmed that Ellie Nightingale will be bowing out from the show after three years.
It’s thought Sophie Porley, who plays Ellie, is leaving the Channel 4 soap of her own accord to pursue other projects.
TBC (Kyle Pryor)
Status: Joining
When: Autumn 2018
More info: Best known for playing Home and Away‘s Nate Cooper, Kyle Pryor has now joined the cast of Hollyoaks.
Kyle’s character name is currently unknown, but he’ll have a connection with returning character Sinead O’Connor.
NEIGHBOURS
Jemima Davies-Smythe (Magda Szubanski)
Status: Arriving
When: September 2018
More info: Australian actress and LGBTQ+ rights activist Magda Szubanski will make a cameo appearance in David and Aaron’s highly-anticipated wedding episode this September.
Madga will be playing marriage celebrant Jemima, who does the honours as the popular pair tie the knot. She’s also thought to have a connection to Karl Kennedy.
TBC (Denise Drysdale)
Status: Arriving
When: October 2018
More info: Australian entertainment stalwart Denise Drysdale recently started filming on Neighbours for a top-secret guest role.
All we know for now is that Denise’s character will be heading to Ramsay Street on a mission to make life difficult for one resident in particular. Who should be feeling nervous?
Pierce Grayson (Tim Robards)
Status: Arriving
When: October 2018
More info: Tim Robards, best known for starring on The Bachelor Australia, has signed up for a guest stint on Neighbours as wealthy investor Pierce Grayson. Show bosses have teased that Pierce has more on his mind than just making money in Erinsborough – romance is also on the cards and hearts could be broken.
Tim commented: “At the start of this year I made the decision to make acting the top of my priority list and I’ve been putting in the work behind closed doors with different coaches – pushing myself out of my comfort zone and then this role came up so I’m super excited.
“I’ve really enjoyed exploring the character. Pierce Greyson has a number layers to him so he is really interesting to play. He is a hybrid of a Harvey Specter, sprinkle of Christian Grey and little bit of Robert Redford, so it’s been great fun to explore.
“I watched Neighbours as a kid so to be on the set with such iconic characters like Paul Robinson, Toadie and Susan is an amazing experience – the entire cast and crew have been so welcoming.”
HOME AND AWAY
Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno)
Status: Leaving
When: August 31
More info: Olivia has recently left screens in Australia, departing Summer Bay to take on a new job in Melbourne.
Raechelle Banno’s final scenes in the role air on Channel 5 on Friday, August 31.
Chelsea (Ashleigh Brewer)
Status: Arriving
When: 2018
More info: Former Neighbours and The Bold and the Beautiful star Ashleigh Brewer has signed up for a six-month stint in Summer Bay as new cop Chelsea.
Ashleigh exclusively told us: “I’m not allowed to give too much away just yet, but we know that her name is Chelsea and she’s a police officer. She’s come to the Bay to give one of our favourites a real shock.
“I would say she is an extremely nice person with a strong head on her shoulders, but she’ll be causing a little bit of trouble through circumstances out of her control.”
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