Through the Revolving Door: Soaps’ 2025 Comings and Goings [PHOTOS]

Soap operas have always been defined by their ever-shifting casts, where familiar faces exit stage left only to return years later, and newcomers arrive to shake up beloved families and iconic romances. In 2025, the trend continues as The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and EastEnders all experience major casting shake-ups. Some departures leave fans heartbroken, others fuel speculation of shocking returns, while new arrivals promise storylines that will push daytime drama into daring new directions.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Big Returns and Bitter Goodbyes

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s (Steffy Forrester) long-awaited comeback is perhaps the biggest headline of the year. After welcoming her fifth child, Wood returns to Los Angeles just as Steffy is needed most, with her character poised to clash with Sheila Carter and protect her family from new threats. Fans celebrated with behind-the-scenes photos showing Wood reunited with Tanner Novlan (Finn) and their on-screen children.

But with every return comes an exit. Lawrence Saint-Victor’s Carter Walton is rumored to take an extended hiatus later this year. Storyline leaks hint that Carter could leave Los Angeles in the wake of a devastating betrayal, giving Saint-Victor time away from the canvas. Meanwhile, Anna Maria Horsford (Vivienne Avant) made a surprise reappearance, sparking speculation that the Avant family could see renewed storylines in 2025.

The Young and the Restless: Shocking Departures and Familiar Comebacks

In Genoa City, whispers of exits have been circulating for months. The biggest surprise? Conner Floyd (Chance Chancellor) is reportedly bowing out by fall. Sources suggest Chance will receive an “off-screen job offer” that allows the character to leave town gracefully—though as soap fans know, nothing is ever final.

On the flip side, Elizabeth Hendrickson’s Chloe Mitchell is making her way back. Hendrickson, a fan favorite with deep ties to the Fisher-Baldwin clan, returns to stir up drama with Chelsea, Sally, and Billy. And in a jaw-dropping twist, Jordi Vilasuso (Rey Rosales) was spotted on set—despite his character’s tragic death in 2022. Could this be a flashback, ghostly vision, or a rewritten twist? Viewers are buzzing.

Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford continues to hold the spotlight as Phyllis Summers. Though her recent storylines have been polarizing, Stafford has doubled down on her commitment to the role, openly reflecting on “bad storylines” but promising fans that Phyllis will soon experience a new romantic arc.

General Hospital: Familiar Faces Back in Port Charles

ABC’s General Hospital never disappoints when it comes to casting surprises, and 2025 is proving no exception. Genie Francis (Laura Collins) extended her contract, ensuring Laura remains the emotional anchor of Port Charles. Opposite her, Jonathan Jackson (Lucky Spencer) stunned fans with a return that promises to reconnect the Spencer family in meaningful ways.

On the downside, Cynthia Watros is reportedly wrapping up her run as Nina Reeves later this year. While fans have mixed feelings about Nina’s controversial storylines, her departure will leave Sonny Corinthos with a gaping hole in his love life—and his enemies ready to pounce.

Adding intrigue, rumors swirl that Bryan Craig could reprise his role as Morgan Corinthos in late 2025. Craig’s potential comeback would set up explosive family drama, especially given the turbulent state of the Corinthos clan.

Days of Our Lives: Returns from the Dead?

If any soap has perfected the revolving door trope, it’s Days of Our Lives. This year, rumors are flying about Alison Sweeney’s Sami Brady returning once again for a limited arc. Fans can expect Sami’s signature chaos and interference in her children’s lives, reigniting feuds with EJ and Nicole.

Another headline-grabber: Chandler Massey (Will Horton) will reprise his role for a short stint, setting the stage for an emotional reunion with Sonny. However, not all news is celebratory—Lamon Archey’s Eli Grant is said to be exiting, citing storyline exhaustion and a desire to pursue primetime projects.

EastEnders: Fresh Faces in Walford

Across the pond, EastEnders is shaking up the Square with a mix of exits and new arrivals. Shona McGarty (Whitney Dean) is officially leaving after more than 15 years, marking the end of an era. Fans have already begun speculating about whether Whitney will get a happy ending or be sent off in true Walford tragedy.

Meanwhile, a wave of newcomers is expected to breathe new life into the Beale family and Mitchell clan. With executive producer Chris Clenshaw promising a “new generation of icons,” viewers can look forward to bold casting decisions designed to keep EastEnders competitive in a crowded drama market.

Why These Changes Matter

The revolving door of soap casting isn’t just about logistics—it’s about keeping the stories alive. Familiar faces offer comfort and nostalgia, while fresh blood injects energy and unpredictability. Every return sparks questions: What has this character been hiding? What grudges will they reignite? Every exit leaves fans wondering: Will we ever see them again?

For 2025, these casting shifts represent both endings and beginnings. As soaps adapt to changing times and evolving viewer habits, the characters anchoring these shows remain their greatest asset. And whether it’s Steffy Forrester reclaiming her throne, Sami Brady wreaking havoc in Salem, or Laura Spencer guiding Port Charles, one thing is certain: the soap revolving door will keep turning.