Rob Kazinsky is returning to EastEnders as Sean Slater on a permanent basis, two decades after first appearing on the show. Kazinsky initially played the character from August 2006, departing in early 2009, but made guest appearances in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
The BBC has confirmed that Kazinsky will rejoin the cast as a full-time member, with the character returning "for his family." Sean Slater, brother to Stacey and son to Jean, has a history of significant drama within the fictional Albert Square. His storylines have included a tumultuous marriage to Roxy Mitchell and complications surrounding the paternity of their child, Amy Mitchell.
Kazinsky expressed his long-held desire to reprise the role, stating his excitement to be back "home." He reflected on his departure in 2008 as a "23-year-old boy" and his subsequent career, always maintaining an interest in returning to "walk in Sean's shoes again, but this time as a man." He cited his return as being "for Sean, for the fans... but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me." Kazinsky anticipates bringing "a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can."
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey welcomed Kazinsky back, promising "plenty of drama." Wadey noted that Sean Slater was a significant part of the Slater family and that "where Sean goes, drama is not far behind."
In January, Kazinsky reunited with co-star Lacey Turner, who plays his on-screen sister Stacey Slater. Turner has been on an extended break from the soap, focusing on her family. She has played Stacey since 2004 and is a mother to three children. The reunion photo, shared by Kazinsky on social media, was met with enthusiastic responses from fans expressing their desire for both characters to return to the show.
Sean Slater first appeared in 2006 and most recently made a brief return in 2022.