EastEnders is a British soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985.[1] This is a list of characters that have or will debut in 2025. All characters before February are introduced by the show's executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, with the remainder to be introduced by future executive producer Ben Wadey. Councillor Barker (Iain Fletcher) made his debut in January 2025. Julia, the daughter of Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman), was born in February. Additionally, several other characters appear throughout the year.
Councillor Donald Barker, played by Iain Fletcher, made his first appearance on 21 January 2025 in a guest capacity.[2] Fletcher had previously appeared in another British long-running serial, The Bill.[2] Councillor Barker is introduced as part of a storyline regarding Walford residents fighting to keep Bridge Street Market open, as he is trying to scale back the market.[2][3]EastEnders spoilers revealed that Martin Fowler (James Bye) arranges a meeting with Councillor Barker and is stressed when it is brought forward, so he gets support from his girlfriend Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton). Steven Murphy from Inside Soap teased that Ruby's initial meeting with the Councillor would not go as well as she hoped due to the pair getting into a big argument.[3] Following this, Ruby tries to make things right and attempts to carry out an "ambitious plan" with Mr Barker after running into him at the Minute Mart.[2][4][5] Lewis Knight from Radio Times believed that it was obvious that Ruby is trying to impress Martin with the plan as she is insecure about his relationship with his former wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).[2] Knight also described Councillor Barker as "antagonistic".[2]
Julia Fowler is the daughter of Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman). She was born during the show's 40th anniversary live episode broadcast on 20 February 2025. Shortly before her birth, Sonia announced that she would name her daughter either Julia or Toni, as a tribute to the creators of EastEnders, Julia Smith and Tony Holland. Similar to a concurrent interactive storyline where the show's audience were able to vote for either Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) as Denise Fox's (Diane Parish) lover, following the episode broadcast on 19 February 2025 where Sonia goes into labour, the audience were also given the opportunity to vote for either Julia or Toni as the name for Sonia's baby. The baby's name was revealed during the live episode.[6]
When Julia is born, the baby initially is not breathing, but is eventually resuscitated. In March 2025, Sonia announces that she intends to register Julia's surname as Fowler, as a tribute to her ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), who died following an explosion at The Queen Victoria public house.
Gaz, portrayed by Keith Allen, made a guest appearance in an episode broadcast on 20 March 2025 focusing on Phil Mitchell's (Steve McFadden) mental health recovery.[7] Phil will befriend Gaz, who is a fellow patient in the mental health unit, and he will help Phil open up and begin his road to recovery.[7] Allen's casting was announced on 5 March 2025 and he will appear in a special episode being set across four weeks, seeing Phil begin treatment to address his inner trauma and understand his depression and symptoms of psychosis.[7] Gaz will bond with Phil and help him to engage in therapy and group activities after initially being reluctant.[7]EastEnders has worked with several charities, including The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed "accurately and sensitively."[7]
Upon casting, Allen joked: "I've written a number one hit single, I've presented Top of the Pops, I've played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4–1...Could it get better than that?"[7] He continued: "Well, yes, I've just guested in an episode of EastEnders... What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden's incredibly moving storyline. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace."[7] Executive producer Chris Clenshaw expressed his delight about Allen's casting: "I'm delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Keith Allen to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the guest role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil's mental health."[7] He continued: "Keith and Steve's performances are both phenomenal, and thoughtfully and sensitively portray the complex realities of mental health recovery and the impact of hypermasculinity."[7]
Andy, portrayed by Jake Rory, made his first appearance on 20 March 2025, and later appeared in a special five minute episode on 21 March, which will see EastEnders team up with Comic Relief.[8] Rory's casting was announced on 16 March 2025 and his character will feature in an episode that focuses on Phil Mitchell's (Steve McFadden) mental health struggle.[8] In this episode, Phil meets Andy who tells him about his time in a homeless youth hostel, and they both realise they have plenty more in common than expected.[8] Executive producer Chris Clenshaw spoke about the storyline: "We're thrilled to be working alongside Comic Relief and Brandon Centre as we continue to explore the complex realities of Phil's journey with mental health. Whilst seeking treatment, Phil and Andy quickly realise they have more in common than they first anticipated."[8] The episode will air during Comic Relief: Funny For Money.[8]
EastEnders and Comic Relief have worked with Brandon Centre, a Comic Relief funded charity which focuses on youth mental help support to ensure that the storyline has been handled as sensitively and as accurately as possible.[8] Samir Patel, the CEO of Comic Relief, said: "Comic Relief has a long and proud history of supporting incredible organisations who are delivering vital work to help tackle homelessness and the ongoing mental health crisis. We are extremely grateful to EastEnders and Brandon Centre for their work in helping to create this powerful and poignant film that will resonate with so many. Together with your support this Red Nose Day, we can help ensure support just like this is available to those who need it the most right here in the UK and around the world."[8] Julia Brown, the CEO of Brandon Centre added: "The support from Comic Relief has been invaluable. It has allowed us to make an enormous difference to local homeless young people, with therapy delivered directly in hostels, at a time when they need it the most. Working alongside the EastEnders team has been hugely important, as it is significantly helping raise awareness of the drastic impact of homelessness on young people's lives."[8]
Ross, portrayed by Alex Walkinshaw, is the boyfriend of Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who arrives in Walford for the funeral of her uncle, Martin Fowler (James Bye) alongside Ross and his son, Joel (Max Murray) on 31 March 2025.[9] Walkinshaw's casting was announced on the same day as Haig's and Murray's on 22 February 2025.[9] Vicki's arrival alongside Ross and Joel's is due to "cause a stir" for the residents of Walford who believed that Vicki was still in a relationship with her long-term boyfriend, Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).[9] The new arrivals are due to come as a shock to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer's brother, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).[9] Speaking of his role, Walkinshaw said: "I am really excited, as I've had so many friends on EastEnders throughout the years, and I always hear lovely things about it. The show is top-drawer drama and I can't wait to get stuck in. Ross is a decent, hardworking family man; he always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicki, but it's not always plain sailing."[9]
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw spoke about Haig', Walkinshaw's and Murray's castings: "We're delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex and Max with us. Vicki is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum Michelle, and she's changed a lot since we last saw her. We're excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicki and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won't be long before Vicki and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford."[9]
Joel, portrayed by Max Murray, is the son of Ross (Alex Walkinshaw), who is Vicki Fowler's (Alice Haig) boyfriend. He arrives in Walford for the funeral of Vicki's uncle Martin Fowler (James Bye) alongside Vicki and his father on 31 March 2025.[9] Murray's casting was announced the same day as Haig's and Walkinshaw's on 22 February 2025.[9] Vicki's arrival alongside Ross and Joel's is due to "cause a stir" for the residents of Walford who believed that Vicki was still in a relationship with her long-term boyfriend, Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).[9] The new arrivals are due to come as a shock to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer's brother, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).[9] Speaking of his role, Murray said: "It's an absolute privilege and honour to be joining such a wonderful production full of a lovely cast and crew. I'm really looking forward to introducing Joel to EastEnders viewers and telling his story."[9]
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw spoke about Haig's, Walkinshaw's and Murray's castings: "We're delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex and Max with us. Vicki is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum, Michelle, and she's changed a lot since we last saw her. We're excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicki and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won't be long before Vicki and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford."[9]
Other characters
Character
Portrayer(s)
Episode date(s)
Details
Ref
Nurse Stella Dempsey
Prabhleen Oberoi
13 January 2025
A nurse working at Walford General Hospital. She tells the investigators that Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) needs rest when they are asking her questions about her attack and advises her to try to sleep.
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