EastEnders set for huge cast shake up as five characters are due to leave

EastEnders bosses are set to give the cast a huge shake up with five cast members set to leave the BBC soap.

New boss Chris Clenshaw is overseeing the departure of the characters with one of those written out being Ricky Champ, who plays Stuart Highway. 

Stuart is currently at the centre of a father’s post-natal depression storyline, with the character struggling to bond with his baby Roland.

On their way out: EastEnders bosses are set to give the cast a huge shake up with five cast members confirmed as leaving the BBC soap, with Ricky Champ (pictured) set to depart

He has struggled with his mental health after his diagnosis with breast cancer and he is having trouble adjusting to parenthood after he and wife Rainie (Tanya Franks) tried for a child for a long time.

Ricky will film his final scenes as Stuart later this year, according to the Metro.

Elsewhere, three other characters will be departing this summer with one having already filmed their final scenes.

Farewell: Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith) and Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson) will be saying goodbye to Walford out in a dramatic storyline after sharing a kiss

Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith) and Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson) will reportedly be saying goodbye to Walford out in a dramatic storyline after sharing a kiss.   

As Peter and Dana grow close, Peter’s brother Bobby (Clay Milner Russell) will be hurt as his hopes of a reunion with his ex are dashed.

Meanwhile, Kelsey Calladine-Smith, who plays Jada Lennox, will also be leaving the show in the coming months.

Telling the tale: As Peter and Dana grow close, Peter’s brother Bobby (Clay Milner Russell) will be hurt as his hopes of a reunion with his ex are dashed

Jada accused Zack Hudson (James Farrar) of making a move on her and it seems she will have outstayed her welcome with the family.

An EastEnders insider told MailOnline: ‘Whenever a new boss comes in there’s always going to be big changes and it’s no different with Chris.

‘He’s been working hard behind the scenes since January and is really planning to shake things up which means saying goodbye to some characters. 

Departure: Meanwhile, Kelsey Calladine-Smith, who plays Jada Lennox, will also be leaving the show in the coming months

‘It’s nothing personal to any of the cast going, it’s simply a creative decision – for big storylines to happen you have to say goodbye people, that’s the nature of soap.

‘Chris has some really big stories planned and viewers will see his stuff starting to air over the summer.

‘He’s really keen to take the show back to its roots, build up the clans again with some big explosive long running stories. It’s an exciting time to be on the show.’

Harrowing plot: Meanwhile, Danielle Harold was also recently announced as leaving the show, with her character Lola Pearce being killed off in a shock twist

Meanwhile, Danielle Harold was also recently announced as leaving the show, with her character Lola Pearce being killed off in a shock twist.

It comes after a new EastEnders family was announced earlier this week. 

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Musician and actor Omar Lye-Fook, MBE will be playing Avery Baker, the charming older sibling of Mitch, who will arrive on the scene with his two sons.

Almost always on the verge of causing trouble, Avery couldn’t be more different to his little brother and his arrival will immediately cause heads to turn.

Avery will be joined by his children, Felix and Finlay, who will be played by Matthew Morrison (Felix) and Ashley Byam (Finlay).

Coming soon: It comes after a new EastEnders family was announced earlier this week, with the characters already filming their first scenes

The youngest of the two brothers, larger than life Felix will throw himself into life in Albert Square, but with his quick-wit and frank honesty he’ll be sure to stir up some drama along the way.

Older half-brother Finlay has a different biological dad but was raised by Avery soon after birth.

Finlay has sailed through life using his cheeky charm but is set to face a wake-up call as he begins life in Walford.

Despite being the complete opposite of each other, Felix and Finlay present a united front and always have each other’s backs.

While Mitch dearly loves his nephews, it’s fair to say he has a complicated relationship with his brother after not speaking to him for years and Avery’s unexpected arrival is set to cause some issues for Mitch.

Gang: Musician and actor Omar Lye-Fook, MBE will be playing Avery Baker, the charming older sibling of Mitch, who will arrive on the scene with his two sons

Realising there must be a reason for Avery suddenly coming back into his life, Mitch is determined to get to the bottom of what’s going on and find out what secret Avery is hiding…

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, EastEnders said: ‘The Baker Family bring a fresh, fierce, fun and exciting energy to the Square.

‘Felix and Finlay are two very different firecrackers and, yes, these brothers fall out, take the mick and challenge each other, but none of that compares to their unswerving love and loyalty they have for one another.

‘They may be charming young men, full of sass, swagger and strength but these brothers are Bakers and, like their father, Avery, have their own unique way of surviving.

‘Omar, Matthew and Ashley all bring star quality to EastEnders and we’re excited to see them bring Avery, Felix and Finlay to life. The Baker family are the just the start of some new faces landing in Walford later this year – so watch this space…’

Spellbinding: While Mitch (stock picture) dearly loves his nephews, it’s fair to say he has a complicated relationship with his brother after not speaking to him for years

On taking on the role as Avery, Omar said: ‘I’ve been watching EastEnders since I was at school so it’s such a surreal experience to now be part of the show.

‘I’m having so much fun and it’s an honour to be working alongside this incredible cast.’

Matthew Morrison, who will play Felix, added: ‘It’s an honour to be a part of such a legendary show that I grew up watching.

‘It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, and I don’t think it ever will. I’m having a ball getting to grips with Felix and cannot wait for you all to meet him!’

Ashley Byam, who will play Finlay, said: ‘I’m very excited to be joining the Square. Like many people I grew up with EastEnders; it was almost like an unspoken family tradition.

‘My mum and I sat there together watching so many incredible and iconic storylines. So to now be joining this classic British TV drama is an honour, and I’m truly grateful. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Finlay and see what lies ahead for him.’

The actors have begun filming and will be first seen on screen this summer.

Over the moon: On taking on the role, Omar said: ‘I’ve been watching EastEnders since I was at school so it’s such a surreal experience to now be part of the show (pictured in 2021)