Rob Kazinsky will return to EastEnders as Sean Slater on a full-time basis, the BBC has confirmed. The actor first appeared as the character in August 2006 and last made guest appearances in 2022. Sean Slater's return is slated for later this year, with the character coming back "for his family."
Kazinsky, who has been open about his desire to revisit the role, expressed his excitement to be back "home." He stated that he left the show in 2008 as a "23-year-old boy" and spent the subsequent 19 years working internationally, always advocating for EastEnders and expressing a wish to return. "I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me," Kazinsky said. "I'm home, and I can't wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can."
Sean Slater, brother to Stacey and son to Jean, has a significant history of dramatic storylines on the show. He was previously married to Roxy Mitchell, and their marriage ended when it was revealed on Christmas Day in 2008 that Jack Branning was the biological father of their child, Amy Mitchell. His actions have often led to familial discord within the fictional community of Albert Square.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, anticipates that Sean's reappearance will bring considerable drama. "I'm delighted to welcome Rob Kazinsky back to EastEnders as he reprises the role of Sean Slater later this year," Wadey stated. "Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family and as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind."
Kazinsky's return comes as co-star Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, continues an extended break from the soap. Turner, who has portrayed Stacey on and off since 2004, is focusing on her family. She previously shared a reunion photo with Kazinsky in January, captioned "Like time never passes with the best of the best."