10 EastEnders characters who need to have a huge 2026

Well, we have certainly started 2026 in earnest on EastEnders – including with a look at 2027.

The BBC One soap opera is setting up a dramatic year for the Branning family, and especially for Max Branning (Jake Wood). A recent New Year’s Day episode hinted at big changes coming for the long-time Walford resident.

Max isn’t the only character we’re hoping to see more of in 2026. We also want to see more development from characters who haven’t had enough screen time, and others who need a stronger role in the show’s future.

So, here are a selection of characters who should have a huge 2026 in EastEnders…

1. Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams)

It looks like Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) is finally set for a dramatic year, possibly as a future wife of Max Branning, after a long wait.

Over the past couple of years, Denise’s oldest daughter, Chelsea, hasn’t been very involved in major storylines in Walford. Aside from a short-lived romantic interest last year, she’s mostly been seen working as a bartender at Harry’s Barn.

Abrahams has quickly become a strong lead in the soap opera, delivering powerful performances in the controversial storyline involving Gray Atkins. She’s also effectively portrayed Chelsea’s resilience and vulnerability as she navigated the end of her relationship with Ravi Gulati and dealt with conflict with her stepsister, Penny Branning.

Chelsea has been a part of the show for a long time and is well-positioned to connect characters from different eras. We’re hoping to see more of her on screen in 2026, as hinted by the show’s plans.

2. Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine)

It’s been a while since we’ve seen much of Penny Branning, Chelsea’s former step-sister. After past conflicts with her stepfather, Jack Branning, and a brief relationship with Harry Mitchell, she hasn’t been featured in the storylines lately.

Abi Branning is Lauren Beale’s closest friend and feels like a sister to her, especially now. She’s clever, self-assured, and always speaks her mind, and deserves her own storylines just like the rest of the Branning family.

Penny actually has a surprisingly complicated past with crime that hasn’t been fully explored, and we also don’t know much about her connection with her estranged mother, Selina Branning (Daisy Beaumont).

Things are looking brighter for Penny when it comes to her storylines. She’s now friends with Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and might be starting a romantic relationship with Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) after they shared a surprise kiss on New Year’s Eve.

Is 2026 the year for a love story with Ms Branning?

3. Denise Fox (Diane Parish)

As a longtime viewer, I have to say Denise Fox, played brilliantly by Diane Parish, is truly iconic in the world of EastEnders. She absolutely was one of the biggest stars during the time Chris Clenshaw was in charge, and deservedly so.

Okay, so after the fans voted for Denise and Jack to get back together for the show’s 40th anniversary, I was expecting a lot more of them! But honestly, she’s been kind of sidelined since then, mostly just popping up in smaller roles to help move other people’s stories along. It’s a bit disappointing, really.

Based on the recent flash-forward episode, Denise seems poised for a major storyline this year, potentially involving conflict in her marriage with Jack. However, it’s questionable whether the show would reverse the impact of the audience’s previous choices so soon.

We’re excited to see Parish thrive when she gets the right resources and the show begins again.

She’ll also be reunited with her younger daughter, Libby Fox, which will be wonderful for the family and bring them all back together.

4. Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier)

We know you’re seeing a lot of Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) right now, and he’s going to be a major focus in 2026. But considering how well his storyline has been going, we think more screen time is a good thing!

Oscar is a wonderfully engaging performer. Counihan-Moullier excels at both touching and funny moments, largely through their incredibly expressive physical performance.

A brief glimpse into the future suggests Max Branning’s son will find love, and his friendship with Patrick Trueman will continue – a positive development for both characters.

The chemistry between Counihan-Moullier and Jake Wood is already fantastic, and we expect to see a lot of great scenes between their characters, Max and Oscar.

Basically, get Oscar in a community hub and interact with as many people as possible!

5. Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy)

We highlighted Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) as a character to watch in 2025, and while her relationship with Ravi finally developed – with Sophie Khan Levy delivering a particularly strong performance after Ravi’s past actions were revealed – we believe there’s still potential to explore Priya’s story further.

Priya and Ravi continue to have a strong connection, and Aaron Thiara and Khan Levy work really well together. However, we’d like to see Priya develop more as an individual, beyond just being defined by her relationship with Ravi.

I’ve always felt like Priya has been a fantastic addition to this world, but she’s largely played second fiddle to everyone else’s narratives. Khan Levy is clearly a talented performer, and I really think it’s time Priya got her own chance to shine – whether that’s leading her own compelling story or becoming a central figure connecting other characters. Honestly, we need that kind of anchor, especially with where Oscar’s story seems to be headed.

The next Queen Vic barmaid, anyone?

6. Linda Carter (Kellie Bright)

Linda Carter (played by Kellie Bright) was a central character in the ‘Six’ storyline and had a major role in 2024. However, in 2025, she appeared much less frequently, even spending six months away on a long world cruise.

Linda is back in Walford and quickly found herself involved in Max Branning’s troubles. She’s currently running the Peacock Palace, a small hotel, with her mother, Elaine, who continues to thrive after leaving the Queen Vic. Soon, Linda will also reconnect with a classmate from her school days, Bea Pollard.

Even with this fresh beginning, it’s hard not to worry that Linda might be outshined by the flamboyant Elaine at Peacock Palace, or stuck playing the sensible counterpart to Elaine or the newcomer, Bea.

After finishing rehab, Linda needs to be a strong presence in the Square, but also rediscover the cheerful and determined side of herself that viewers have loved since she first appeared on the show in 2013 – even after everything she’s been through.

Kellie Bright is a standout performer and consistently shines in the show, no matter what happens with the character of Linda.

7. Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota)

Vinny Panesar is the last of the original Panesar siblings, but he’s often lived in the shadows. He’s usually been a supporting character, taking a backseat to his parents’ and siblings’ schemes.

As a long-time viewer, I’ve seen Vinny go through a lot. He’s been seriously messed around by his dad, Nish, and honestly, the drama with Eve Unwin was terrifying – he nearly took a life! And let’s not forget the rollercoaster that was his relationship with Dotty Cotton. It was constantly on, then off, then…well, you get the picture. It’s been a wild ride for this character.

Since Nish’s passing, Vinny hasn’t been featured much on screen. However, with hints of a potential romance with Penny Branning, could this be the opportunity for Vinny to have a bigger role?

Actor Shiv Jalota hinted to Digital Spy that he was about to be involved in a really good storyline, and this might be what he was talking about.

8. Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig)

One of the best soap recasts in recent years has to be Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler.

After being absent for two decades, and previously known for her playful, ever-changing personality, fans were curious to see what became of the daughter of iconic characters Den Watts and Michelle Fowler as she grew up.

Bringing Matt Haig on board and drawing inspiration from the strong, complex character of Michelle in Tully was a great beginning. Haig’s performance has consistently improved and been a highlight, especially within the storyline focusing on the mistreatment of women by her partner’s son, Joel Marshall (played by Max Murray).

Vicki has quickly become a popular addition to Walford, and the show has effectively used her existing connections with other characters, especially while Sharon Watts is away.

I’m really hooked by Vicki’s storyline right now! Between Joel’s trial and all the complications with Ross and Sharon’s brother, Zack, she’s at the center of so much drama. I’m hoping the show really runs with it – it feels like there’s a lot of potential there, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

9. Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho)

I’m really loving Dayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare! Not only is it amazing to see such positive neurodivergent representation on the show, but Kojo himself is just a really warm, funny, and genuinely good person – Dayo plays him with so much heart.

Since Kojo joined us in 2024, we’ve seen him working to become more independent, build his own friendships, and step outside of the influence of his family, the Knights and Asares.

A highlight of Ben Wadey’s work is the genuine connection between Kojo and his close friend, Harry Mitchell, played wonderfully by Elijah Holloway. Their real-life friendship shines on screen, providing a strong emotional core to what could have been a predictable story about drugs.

With the resolution of Kojo’s ordeal involving the drug dealer, he’s now back home with his brother, George Knight (Colin Salmon). We’re hoping to see more stories focused on Kojo and his life in Walford throughout 2026.

10. Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf)

We understand Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) is only returning to the show for a limited time, especially with her current storyline involving breast cancer and reconnecting with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman). However, fans would love to see her stay longer!

It might sound repetitive, but Sam is a remarkably strong character and Medcalf is a truly gifted and affecting actor who consistently delivers great performances with her fellow cast members. Every scene they’re in right now highlights just how valuable they both are to the show.

Medcalf handles sensitive topics like loss, health concerns, and family relationships – whether it’s about being a mother, grandmother, or friend – with skill and warmth. Her performance makes Sam seem ready to become a key figure in the Mitchell family, right alongside her brother, Phil.

Whatever happens, when Sam goes again, we need her back ASAP and, ideally, for good!

EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
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EastEnders star hints at villain’s return with social media post alongside new cast member
EastEnders boss teases “tragedy comedy” 2026 story with newcomer Bea – and it involves a beloved Walford couple
EastEnders confirms Ravi Gulati will face a revenge plot – along with a mental health story for Walford villain
EastEnders boss teases love triangle scenes for Vicki Fowler as disturbed Joel Marshall finally goes to trial in 2026

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Authors

Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor

Lewis is the News and Trends Editor at TopMob, responsible for our news coverage, quick-response content, and making sure we deliver what our audience wants. He’s a huge TV and movie buff, especially a fan of Nicole Kidman, but also loves science fiction, independent films, and the newest shows on HBO. With a background in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Film Studies, Lewis previously worked in advertising before spending three years at The Mirror, where he focused on community management, SEO, and reporting on showbiz, film, and television.

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2026-01-08 18:14