Soap arrivals and departures - October

Arrival
Corrie – Robin Askwith
Who’s she playing? A rocker called Ritchie that Dennis used to manage.
When’s he starting? Later this Autumn
Should we be excited? Well, on one hand, the ‘Confessions’ films were very popular. On the other hand, there’s a reason they aren’t often show on repeat.

Arrival
EastEnders – Danny Dyer
Who’s he playing? Mick Carter, Shirley’s brother. “A man’s man” who takes over as the landlord of The Vic.
When’s he starting? Soon
Should we be excited? Danny tends to divide viewers into those who think he’s a ridiculous posturing fool and those who think he’s a ridiculous posturing fool who can also act. It’s going to be interesting to say the least.

Arrival
EastEnders – Luisa Bradshaw-White
Who’s she playing? Shirley’s sister Tina.
When’s she starting? November
Should we be excited? Yes! It’s Kira from ‘This Life’. We always love to see ‘This Life’ actors popping up. And also of course ‘Bad Girls’ stars.

Departure – EastEnders – Kierston Wareing (Kirsty Branning)
When’s she off? Next year
Why’s she leaving? She never wanted to stay in the show too long. "I'd like to do other projects. It'd be nice to be in the show, come out, go back in there and come out - I don't know if they're going to allow that, but that'd be my ideal situation," she said.
How’s she off? Not sure yet. Almost certainly something to do with Max’s love life. Also, Carl is off too, so maybe she goes with him.
Should we be disappointed? Yes. Kierston is a terrific, terrific actress. She will be a big loss.

Departure – EastEnders - Phaldut Sharma (AJ Ahmed)
When’s he off? Early next year
Why’s he leaving? It seems to be something to do with Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the show’s new boss and his attempts to change the show’s direction.
How’s he off? Not sure yet.
Should we be disappointed? A little bit. AJ has been good value.

Departure – EastEnders – Daniel Coonan (Carl White)
When’s he off? January
Why’s he leaving? Again the dread hand of Treadwell-Collins.
How’s he off? Off with Kirsty perhaps?
Should we be disappointed? It’s been enjoyable for a while – but there’s only so many hardmen that the Square can handle.

Departure – EastEnders – Rachel Bright (Poppy Meadows)
When’s she off? Early next year
Why’s she leaving? Another victim of the cull of Treadwell-Collins.
How’s she off? Uncertain
Should we be disappointed? Yes. We like Rachel Bright. Mind you, they tried to get rid of her before and she came back better than ever. The campaign starts here (again): Let’s get Poppy back!