Cindy and Ian Beale will return to the show, with speculation that it was Cindy that Ian was speaking to on the phone at Dot's funeral.

Lisa Fowler will also return, but only for a short stint.

Sam Mitchell's departure is only temporary, as she will return to the show later in the year.

The ever-revolving door of EastEnders continues to keep audiences on their toes.

The character Shirley Carter, who left Walford after her son Mick's disappearance, will return to the show, according to a source.

Other characters who will be joining the show include George Knight, who will be Elaine's new lover and will run the Queen Vic with Linda, and his daughters Anna and Gina.

George will also bring Anna and Gina with him.

The character George Knight will be played by Arrow star Colin Salmon, and the actress who will be playing Anna and Gina has not been announced yet.

The Knight family will make their mark on the pub and win the hearts of Walford residents.

EastEnders will feature the death of a character in a Christmas episode, which was confirmed in a flashforward scene that aired in February.

The identity of the victim is yet to be revealed, and fans are speculating about potential suspects.

Lola Pearce will also tragically die in upcoming episodes after a battle with a terminal brain tumour.