Julia Fowler

''EastEnders'' is a BBC soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985. 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. Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel ( Max Murray) first appear in March alongside returning Vicki Fowler. Terry Cant (Glen Davies), Sonia's father, arrives in April. Additionally, several other characters appear throughout the year.

Councillor Barker

Councillor Donald Barker, played by Iain Fletcher, made his first appearance on 21 January 2025 in a guest capacity. Fletcher had previously appeared in another British long-running serial, ''The Bill''. 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. ''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. 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. 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). Knight also described Councillor Barker as "antagonistic".

Julia Fowler

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.

When Julia is born, the baby initially is not breathing, but she 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. Shortly after, Julia then leaves Walford with Sonia, her half-sister, Bex Fowler ( Jasmine Armfield) and aunt Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) to start a new life.

Gaz

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. 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. 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. Gaz will bond with Phil and help him to engage in therapy and group activities after initially being reluctant. ''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."

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?" 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." 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." 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."

Andy

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. 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. 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. 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." The episode will air during ''Comic Relief: Funny For Money''.

''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. 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." 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."

Charlotte Seytor

Charlotte Seytor, portrayed by Leonie Elliott, made her debut in Episode 7093, which originally aired on 31 March 2025. Her character is posing as an undercover journalist, who befriends Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) whilst looking for their next story. Elliott has previously worked on another long-runnning BBC serial: ''Call the Midwife''. After her first appearance, Elliott confirmed that she would appear in more episodes when she posted a photo of herself with Palmer on Instagram with the caption: "DOOF, doof, doof… Back on your screens this week and next week on #Eastenders! Loved working with the brilliant @patsypalmerofficial. Happy 40th Eastenders!"

Ross Marshall

Ross Marshall, portrayed by Alex Walkinshaw, is the boyfriend of established character 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. Walkinshaw's casting was announced on the same day as Haig's and Murray's on 22 February 2025. 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). The new arrivals are due to come as a shock to Vicki's half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer's brother, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie). 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."

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."

Joel Marshall

Joel Marshall, portrayed by Max Murray, is the son of Ross (Walkinshaw), Vicki Fowler's (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. Murray's casting was announced the same day as Haig's and Walkinshaw's on 22 February 2025. 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). The new arrivals are due to come as a shock to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer's brother, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie). 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."

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."

Terry Cant

Terry Cant, portrayed by Glen Davies, is the estranged father of Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), who made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 14 April 2025. Davies had made two prior guest appearances in the serial: in 1995 for three episodes as Mervyn Dale, a reporter from the ''Walford Gazette'' who covered Arthur Fowler's ( Bill Treacher) imprisonment for embezzlement, and an unnamed plumber in 2013. Terry is Carol Jackson's (Lindsey Coulson) ex-partner and Sonia's father. He is first mentioned in 1995 by Carol in the wake of the revelation of David Wicks (Michael French) being Bianca Jackson's (Patsy Palmer) father. Carol mentions that Terry was abusive to her and stole her personal belongings after she threw him out following Sonia's birth. In 2020, Sonia goes looking for Terry online and is ultimately unsuccessful until Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) makes an appearance, assuming Terry's identity. However, several months later, Rocky's true identity is exposed.

Several years later, when Bianca is being harassed following her podcast about her kidnap ordeal at the hands of Sonia's ex-partner, Reiss Colwell ( Jonny Freeman), Terry appears in the square among the group of people who attend Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) and Mo Harris' (Laila Morse) true crime tour. Bianca spots him and recognizes him instantly. Terry mentions that he has come to reach out to Sonia after hearing the podcast. Bianca, however, angrily orders him to stay away, as she knows Carol and Terry's history. Undeterred, Terry arrives at Number 25 and Sonia answers the door, and he introduces himself as her father, which shocks her. Terry reveals he has been living in Bali for a few years and invites Sonia and her daughters Bex ( Jasmine Armfield) and Julia to join him. Sonia quickly agrees, much to Bianca's horror. Bianca gives Sonia her blessing but later attempts to phone Carol in the local playground, which is witnessed by Terry, who turns violent and grabs Bianca and threatens her not to come between him and Sonia. At her farewell party, Sonia announces that she and the girls will not be joining Terry in Bali, to his fury. Terry's true colours are shown when he makes disparaging remarks about Carol and the Branning family and leaves. However, he returns and menaces Bianca and Sonia, saying the latter should never been born. Bex overhears and shoves her grandfather into a shed and bolts the door, further enraging him. Sonia and Bex decide to take the tickets and Bianca agrees to join them. They take Terry's car and boat and Bianca asks George Knight (Colin Salmon) to let Terry out after he calms down. Bianca, Sonia, Bex and Julia then leave Walford.

Jimmy Beale

Jimmy Beale is the son of established characters Peter Beale ( Thomas Law) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). He was born during episode 7015, broadcast on 7 May 2025. When Jimmy is born, the baby initially is not breathing, but he is eventually resuscitated. Jimmy is named after his maternal great-grandfather Jim Branning (John Bardon), who appeared in the soap between 1996 and 2011, and died off-screen in 2015. Joel Harley from ''Metro'' described the name choice to be "a good, strong name with ties to ''EastEnders'' history." Harley also suggested: "the name Jimmy holds more meaning behind the scenes of the soap too – being a likely tribute to recently departed star James Bye, who played Martin Fowler for over ten years." He continued: "Martin is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – albeit subtly – in little baby Jimmy Beale."

On 12 May 2025, it was announced that Jimmy would be diagnosed with a severe visual impairment. ''EastEnders'' would be working with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) for guidance. Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw told ''Digital Spy'': "It was imperative that we worked with RNIB and experts in the field when consulting on Jimmy's visual impairment storyline to ensure it was portrayed sensitively and accurately. The story will continue to develop over time as we look to focus on how the diagnosis affects Lauren and Peter as parents, their family and later, the effects this will have on Jimmy." RNIB's Head of Eye Health, Optometry and Low Vision, Louise Gow added: "Working with ''EastEnders'' on this important storyline involving Lauren, Peter and baby Jimmy has been such a great experience. The team at ''EastEnders'' has worked closely with RNIB by listening to our advice and developing a story that authentically captures the experiences of parents of children with visual impairment. While every family's experience is different, the story demonstrates the emotional impact and challenges of vision impairment. It highlights and raises awareness of the support that is available for people with sight loss – parents, carers, children, and young people."

Regarding the storyline, a ''Walford'' insider told ''Digital Spy'': "Lauren sees no choice but to race to the hospital. She insists that he is seen as a matter of urgency." They continued: "Luckily, Linda arter played by Kellie Bright, arrives with a gift at the perfect time, and the two mums share an honest conversation about their mental health struggles," reveals our insider. "In fact, mum-of-five Linda offers even more words of wisdom when she advises Lauren to listen to her maternal instincts when it comes to Jimmy."

Other characters

References

{{EastEnders characters, year, state=expanded

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