who has been in the most episodes of eastenders
EastEnders As of May 2018[update], Adam Woodyatt, Gillian Taylforth and Letitia Dean are the only members of the original cast remaining in the show, in their roles of Ian Beale, Kathy Beale and Sharon Watts respectively. Ian Beale is the only character to have appeared continuously from the first episode without officially leaving, and is the longest-serving character in EastEnders. [133] Dot Cotton is the longest-serving female character in the show having served since 1985,[134] whilst Pat Butcher is the longest-serving former character, appearing from 1986 until 2012.[citation needed]
Mel Owen On 24 October 2017, the show's producers announced that Mel would be returning to the serial in 2018. Outhwaite, who billed Mel as "a strong independent woman", returned to filming in November 2017.[30] Yorke, who was appointed executive consultant in June 2017, asked Outhwaite to reprise the role. The actress felt privileged to be invited back to the show and called playing Mel again "perfect".[30] Outhwaite billed Mel as "a strong independent woman" upon her return and believed there are "lots more stories to tell" with the character.[30] She commented, "EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel."[30] Yorke said he was "thrilled and flattered" to have Outhwaite reprise the role and looked forward to exploring her absence and "who Melanie Owen is now".[30] He also promised an "incredible" storyline for Mel when she returns and said it would "awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories, and a whole new series of adventures too".[30] On 22 December 2017, it was announced that Charlie Winter had been cast in the role of Hunter Owen, the son of Mel and Steve. Hunter returns alongside Mel.[31] Mel returned on-screen in the closing moments of the episode broadcast on 9 January 2018.[32]