Rob Kazinsky is set to make a permanent return to the BBC soap opera EastEnders this autumn, reprising his role as Sean Slater. Showrunners have indicated that the character, who first appeared in 2006, will bring his signature "chaos, energy and unpredictability" to Albert Square.
Kazinsky, 42, last appeared on the show for guest stints in 2019, 2021, and 2022. His initial departure was in early 2009. Showrunner Ben Wadey noted that despite the 20 years since his debut, Slater "hasn't grown up too much." Wadey also suggested that Sean Slater's return will likely involve confrontations with other established characters, specifically mentioning Max and Jack Branning, with whom Slater shares "chequered pasts."
"I think Sean is one of the characters who just promises chaos and energy and unpredictability," Wadey stated. He added that Slater has "connections all over the place," having briefly viewed Amy Mitchell as his child, and still maintains some connection. This history, along with his complex relationships with Max and Jack, means Sean can "immediately have conflict or love with everyone."
Wadey expressed interest in exploring Sean as a 40-year-old, aiming to show some growth but retain the core of the classic character. Kazinsky himself shared his enthusiasm for returning, calling EastEnders "home" and expressing a desire to embody Sean as a man after first playing him as a young adult.
In addition to Slater's return, showrunners confirmed that Lee and Nancy Carter will also rejoin the EastEnders cast for a period. This news comes as Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, prepares to leave the soap after 13 years. Wadey described the upcoming storylines for Linda as her "best" during her final months on the show.
The soap opera is reportedly building towards a significant storyline, including a flash-forward. Wadey also alluded to the autumn's plot involving Max Branning, humorously suggesting a game of "how many people can Max Branning p**s off."
EastEnders airs Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer each morning at 6 a.m.