Soap arrivals and departures – January 2014

Arrival
EastEnders – Natalie Cassidy
Who's she playing? Sonia, of course. "After seven years being out of the show, apart from the odd episode, I am extremely excited and honoured to be making a full-time return,” she said.
When's she arriving? Later this month.
Should we be excited? It depends if you enjoyed all her trumpet playing antics. It's fair to say she's an acquired taste.

Arrival
Coronation Street – Dean Fagan
Who's he playing? Steph Britton's brother Luke, who starts working in Kevin's garage.
When does he start? Soon.
Should we be excited? Well, he's hunk, handy with a spanner and sure to stir things up. Let's just hope he doesn't start any online rapping.

Arrival
EastEnders – Timothy West
Who's he playing? Stan Carter. Danny Dyer's dad. He is “a retired Billingsgate fishmonger who is fighting a battle against old age, Stan has been lonely since his wife left him 30 years ago and is delighted to have his children back in his life.”
When's he arriving? Imminently.
Should we be excited? Yes. A class act in any show, Timothy West is a really great signing for the soap.

Arrival
EastEnders – Annette Badland
Who's she playing? The Carters' maternal 'Aunt Babe'. A “no-nonsense busybody”
Should we be excited? Yes. Annette and Timothy are bound to have chemistry. The Square could be gearing up for a great 2014.

Departure
Coronation Street – Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou)
When's he off? In summer.
Why's he leaving? Time to try new things.
How's he off? Something to do with his relationship to Maria breaking down because of his sexuality. He's already having to fend off Todd.
Should we be disappointed? Yes. Charlie Condou is excellent. Mind you, he's will still around for a good tweet or two. Follow him on twitter, where he's great value.

Depature
Coronation Street – Dennis Tanner (Philip Lowrie)
When's he off? Early summer.
Why's he leaving? “Philip is shocked by the news. He didn’t see it coming at all, but he thinks the writers didn’t think his character was viable any more. He will be dearly missed by all the cast,” an insider told the 'Sunday Mirror'.
How's he off? Something to do with a a big storyline with his on-screen wife Rita (Barbara Knox).
Should we be disappointed? Yes. He's an original cast member for Heaven's sake. Dennis Tanner? Can't help thinking this is a mistake.

Departure
Emmerdale - Rachel Breckle (Gemma Oaten)
When's she off? Spring.
Why's she leaving? Time to pursue new projects.
How's she off? Uncertain. But surely something to do with baby Archie, Chastity and Jai.
Should we be disappointed? Yeah. Gemma Oaten has been an unselfish performer. Though we can't wait to see her hanging out more with her best pal – Ollie Locke from 'Made In Chelsea'.