Yahoo News Soap Movers: Who's quitting and returning?
It's back! With the soap world as busy as ever for comings and goings, here's our new-look 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: March 27
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EASTENDERS
Sylvie Carter (Linda Marlowe)
Status: Rumoured to be leaving
When: Spring 2017
More info: Although it hasn't been officially confirmed by EastEnders just yet, rumours are rife that Sylvie Carter will be killed off in an upcoming storyline. It's unclear whether she'll lose her life as a result of her Alzheimer's or in other circumstances, but reports say that the EastEnders cast have been spotted filming her funeral scenes this month.
Responding to the claims, an EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: "We don't comment on storyline speculation as we don't want to spoil it for the viewers."
Woody Woodward (Lee Ryan)
Status: Arriving
When: Spring 2017
More info: All rise! Lee is the latest member of Blue to move from the world of pop to soap, taking on the short-term guest role of new character Woody. Little more is known about Woody at this stage, but show bosses are tipping him to cause a stir on the Square and break some hearts along the way.
EastEnders boss Sean O'Connor recently explained: "Woody is a man who has worked hard and played hard in bars, clubs and pubs around the world and has finally decided to stop wandering and put down some roots.
"He's going to ruffle some feathers and obviously break some hearts, so there's a great deal to look forward to as soon as he bursts onto the Square. Lee is a perfect casting for Albert Square and we knew straight away we wanted him for the role."
Mick Carter (Danny Dyer)
Status: Returning
When: Late spring / early summer 2017
More info: You can't have missed this one, as it's potentially been the most talked-about EastEnders break of all time! Danny Dyer is currently taking some time out from his role as Mick, who's bowed out of the Square to take care of his daughter Nancy after she was injured in a car accident in Bulgaria.
Danny is expected to return to filming this week, meaning that Mick should make his return in late May or early June.
Fi Browning (Lisa Faulkner)
Status: Arriving
When: Spring 2017
More info: Best known for roles in Spooks, Holby City, Brookside, Murder In Suburbia and New Street Law, Lisa has been cast as stylish and sophisticated businesswoman Fi Browning. And as with most new arrivals on the Square, the big question is whether she could have an ulterior motive.
EastEnders boss Sean O'Connor confirmed: "Fi Browning is something of a departure for EastEnders; a no-nonsense but sophisticated businesswoman with strength and vulnerability. But does she have an agenda? And who – or what – has she set her sights on?"
Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy)
Status: Returning
When: 2017
More info: Natalie Cassidy has been off our screens over the past few months after welcoming the arrival of her second child, a baby girl named Joanie Elizabeth. This has meant that Sonia has stayed off screen throughout a variety of dramas for her troubled daughter Bex.
Natalie has always said that she'd be back after her maternity leave and she's recently been spotted arriving at the EastEnders studios, so all signs point to Sonia being back soon.
Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell)
Status: Returning
When: Spring 2017
More info: We were starting to worry that EastEnders had forgotten about their promises to bring back Cora Cross, but it's finally happening!
Ann Mitchell was recently pictured filming with the EastEnders cast on location, more than a year after she went off for an extended break. There's no word so far on exactly why Cora comes back and how long for, but watch this space for more.
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright)
Status: Returning
When: TBC
More info: Last May, Kellie Bright announced the happy news that she was expecting her second child with her husband Paul Stocker and would be taking maternity leave. We've since seen Linda leave Walford to take care of her unwell mum Elaine, who suffered a stroke abroad. More recently, Kellie has announced the happy arrival of her baby boy Gene, who she actually welcomed back in November.
Linda has just returned to Walford briefly for a one-off episode which was kept under wraps until transmission and it's thought that we'll see her come back permanently later in the year.
CORONATION STREET
Freddie Smith (Derek Griffiths)
Status: Leaving
When: April 2017
More info: After just a year on the cobbles, Derek Griffiths has decided that it's time to leave Corrie in pursuit of new acting projects. After making his own choice to bow out at the end of his contract, Derek has already lined up his next role by joining a stage production of Driving Miss Daisy.
Not much is known yet about how Freddie will go, but his final scenes will air next month.
Gina Seddon (Connie Hyde) and Leah (Molly McGlynn)
Status: Returning / Arriving
When: April 2017
More info: Gina Seddon is Sally Webster's younger sister, who was last seen on the cobbles in 1989. Back then she was played by actress Julie Hoy, but former The Bill star Connie Hyde has now taken over the role.
An upcoming storyline will see Rosie Webster track down Gina and meet her cousin Leah too, but further details are being kept under wraps for now.
Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis)
Status: Returning
When: Spring 2017
More info: We don't know how he'll manage it, but it looks like killer Rob is getting out of prison in a dramatic new storyline. Marc Baylis was recently pictured on the Corrie set more than a year after his last appearance in the show - and we now know he definitely wasn't just visiting old friends!
Marc and co-star Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow) have been spotted filming some armed siege scenes at an abandoned farmhouse, hinting that Rob goes on the run. Could Tracy end up helping him?
Nick Tilsley (Ben Price)
Status: Leaving
When: Summer 2017
More info: Ben Price has been playing the role of Nick since 2009, but he's now decided to quit the cobbles so that he can be closer to his family, who are based in London. Ben has described the news as a "purely personal" decision after an unforgettable seven years as Nick.
It's thought that Nick's departure will tie in with the recent reveal that Steve McDonald is the father of Leanne Battersby's baby, which will put their relationship under further strain. Could this lead to an explosive exit for Nick?
Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire)
Status: Returning
When: TBC
More info: Eileen Derbyshire left our screens as Emily on New Year's Day 2016, with producers revealing that she was taking a break for at least six months – although it has clearly turned out to be longer than that. Emily has been very busy doing charity work in Peru with her nephew Spider, so she should definitely have a few stories to tell when she does return.
EMMERDALE
Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter)
Status: Leaving temporarily
When: March 31
More info: Fan favourite Lucy recently announced the lovely news that she's pregnant with twins, who are due in spring 2017. She'll obviously be taking some time off, but it'll be a low-key departure rather than an explosive exit.
Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod recently explained: "Chas's exit story is tied in with Faith. Obviously Chas is back in the not-too-distant future and there's a risk, as the viewers know the off screen situation.
"So if you create a big, 'gasp, I wonder if she has left for good?', people would think, 'well, she hasn't though, has she? She's just gone on maternity leave'.
"We didn't want to lead the audience up the garden path, but it's big and emotional - with some of the funniest and most heartbreaking scenes between Faith and Chas in the run up to it, which sum up their whole relationship."
Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele)
Status: Leaving temporarily
When: March 31
More info: Young actress Isobel is doing her GCSEs this year, so she'll also need some time away from the Dales.
Later this week, Liv receives word that her mum Sandra has suffered an accident overseas, so Chas agrees to go with the teenager to help look after Sandra for a while. Although it does mean that Aaron's welcome home party will be a little emptier than he might like!
Ashley Thomas (John Middleton)
Status: Leaving
When: April 2017
More info: As soon as Emmerdale fans discovered that Ashley had dementia, actor John Middleton confirmed that it would be an emotional exit storyline for his popular character. John confirmed last April that Emmerdale's producers had decided to extend the storyline slightly, keeping him in the show until spring 2017.
More recently, Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod revealed details of Ashley's exit and told us: "I've just signed off on the final version of the episode in which he dies and it is unbelievably beautiful. It's oddly joyous and it's a celebration of the character. We didn't want to do a story where he just absconded from a care home and was discovered dead from hypothermia or something – it would be too bleak.
"In a story that is already desperately sad, what we wanted to do was make this the best possible death – so that coming out of the other side of it, his family members would think: 'Well, none of us wanted him to go so soon, but knowing that he had to go, these were the best circumstances for his death'.
"It's super warm and funny – and almost festive and boisterous. It's just beautiful and I couldn't be more proud of the script, which is in very capable hands with our cast and crew."
HOLLYOAKS
Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies)
Status: Leaving
When: Spring 2017
More info: Much to our surprise, Hollyoaks' biggest story of the year will see poor old Amy Barnes killed off! She's been a real fan favourite over the years, but an upcoming story will see her partner Ryan Knight arrive home and find her dead. Who – or what – kills her? Well, that is the question...
Yasmine (Haiesha Mistry)
Status: Joining
When: April 2017
More info: New girl Yasmine causes a stir next week when she joins Hollyoaks High and immediately clashes with Peri Lomax by posting about her family dramas online. However, Yasmine soon gets more than she bargained for when Peri decides to play her at her own game – leaving viewers to wonder if this is the beginning of a brand new feud.
New cast member Haiesha recently revealed: "I'm so excited to be joining Hollyoaks as this is my first television credit. I'm looking forward to portraying my new character Yasmine (or Yas to her mates) as she is loud and flamboyant.
"She swaggers through school acting like the coolest of the cool kids – but it's all just bravado. I also love working alongside side the amazing cast and crew at Hollyoaks."
Kathy Barnes (Sarah Jane Buckley)
Status: Returning
When: April 2017
More info: Amy's mum may have missed her wedding, but she'll be turning up in the village for her daughter's funeral in a few weeks' time.
Little more is known at the moment, but it's the first time we've seen Kathy in over nine years, so her return is certainly long overdue!
Kyle (Adam Rickitt)
Status: Arriving
When: April 2017
More info: You heard it here first! Digital Spy recently brought you the exclusive news that former Corrie star Adam Rickitt is returning to Soapland with a brand new role in Hollyoaks.
Adam will be playing Nancy Osborne's ex-boyfriend Kyle. They meet up again by chance at an MS support meeting, causing old feelings to resurface. Could this threaten Nancy's marriage to Darren all over again?
Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey)
Status: Leaving temporarily
When: 2017
More info: New arrival Chelsee is pregnant with her first child, so Goldie will be taking some time out of the village later this year. A Hollyoaks insider has told Digital Spy that the show was aware of Chelsee's pregnancy well in advance, enabling the team to storyline around her absence without any disruption. Goldie's sons Prince and Hunter will be staying in the village while she's gone.
Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe)
Status: Leaving temporarily
When: 2017
More info: Jennifer Metcalfe recently announced that she's expecting her first child with her boyfriend Greg Lake. She'll be taking maternity leave later in the year, although she recently told OK magazine that her exit is still a while off.
Jennifer revealed: "I'm not sure when I go on maternity leave yet. I still need to discuss it with producer Bryan [Kirkwood], but he was over the moon when I told him.
"I haven't got a clue what I am doing so I'm just going to trust their guidance and whenever they want me to go, I'll go. But I'm willing to work until the end. Hollyoaks are really supportive, it's so lovely."
NEIGHBOURS
Kim Tanaka (Jenny Young)
Status: Returning
When: March 30
More info: Here comes a blast from the past, as Kim was last seen on Neighbours in the show's launch year of 1985.
Kim is the mother of David and Leo Tanaka, and she returns to Erinsborough for the long-awaited scenes which see the twins' father finally revealed after six months of mystery. Could it be Scott Robinson, as David starts to suspect?
Brad Willis and Lauren Turner (Kip Gamblin and Kate Kendall)
Status: Leaving
When: April 7
More info: We all saw this one coming, as they've been talking about leaving for weeks! But it's now been officially confirmed that Kip Gamblin and Kate Kendall have departed the cast of Neighbours, with their characters heading off to start a new life on the Gold Coast. Expect a classic Ramsay Street send-off for the couple when they wave goodbye on April 7.
Brooke Butler (Fifi Box)
Status: Returning
When: April 2017
More info: Just four months on from her ruthless jewellery scam, Xanthe's mum Brooke will be returning to Ramsay Street in April – and she seems to be a changed woman as she tries her best to make amends. Will Xanthe and Gary be willing to give her another chance? And can she be trusted this time?
Shane Rebecchi, Dipi Rebecchi, Yashvi Rebecchi, Kirsha Rebecchi and Mishti Sharma (Nicholas Coghlan, Sharon Johal, Olivia Junkeer, Vani Dhir and Scarlett Vas)
Status: Returning / arriving
When: April 2017
More info: There's exciting times ahead for Ramsay Street with a brand new family arriving in April. Toadie's older brother Shane Rebecchi is returning to Erinsborough 22 years after his last appearance on the Street, with Nowhere Boys and House Husbands star Nicholas Coghlan taking over the role.
Shane will be joined by his wife Dipi, their daughters Yashvi and Kirsha, and Dipi's sister Mishti. The new family will be taking over Harold's Cafe, with show bosses promising "drama and intrigue from the moment they arrive".
Callum Rebecchi (Morgan Baker)
Status: Returning
When: TBC
More info: How many more shock comebacks can Toadie deal with? At least this one should be pretty welcome.
Ryan Moloney, who plays Toadie, recently revealed that Callum will be paying a visit at the tail-end of Dee's return storyline – just when the dust is starting to settle again. Ryan didn't give away how long he'll be back for, but we suspect that it'll be a guest appearance. Hopefully it lasts a little bit longer than his Skype cameo in 2015!
HOME AND AWAY
Billie Ashford (Tessa De Josselin)
Status: Leaving
When: April 2017
More info: It's the Home and Away exit we've been waiting more than six months for! There was a major spoiler leak last year when paparazzi photos emerged showing the locals mourning at a memorial for her. One note read: "Darling Billie, RIP beautiful girl. Surf life forever."
More recently, Billie's heartbreaking final scenes aired in Australia and they'll be airing here in a few weeks' time, showing the popular character pass away suddenly after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances)
Status: Returning
When: 2017
More info: Home and Away fan favourite Cornelia returned to filming for another guest stint in late 2016 and she'll be back on our screens a little later in the year. We can always count on Morag to dish out some good, no-nonsense advice to the Summer Bay locals when they need it the most, and we're sure this time will be no different.
Hunter King (Scott Lee)
Status: Leaving
When: 2017
More info: Scott Lee is the latest Summer Bay regular to announce that he's bowing out from the show in the not-too-distant future.
He told Aussie magazine TV Week recently: "I'm excited. The time I've had has gone so quickly and I've learnt a lot as an actor. Halfway through the year, I'm going to head over to America to suss it out. It'll prepare me for what's to come. With the rise of Netflix, acting work is becoming more obtainable. So, it's a good move for me to go over there."
Matt Page and Evie MacGuire (Alec Snow and Philippa Northeast)
Status: Leaving
When: Spring 2017
More info: Matt and Evie's final scenes have recently aired over in Australia, so there's only a few weeks left of them on UK screens. The pair's exit storyline sees them leave Summer Bay together after getting married in a romantic ceremony, giving them a happy ending at long last.
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