Robert Kazinsky is returning to EastEnders as Sean Slater, 17 years after leaving the BBC soap.
The actor first arrived in Walford in 2006 as a key part of the Slater family, appearing alongside his on-screen mother Jean (Gillian Wright) and sister Stacey (Lacey Turner).
He left Albert Square on New Year’s Day 2009 after a dramatic storyline involving Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), when it was revealed that the daughter he believed was his had been fathered by another man.
The character has made several brief returns since his original departure, including a 2019 storyline where he supported his mother through her cancer diagnosis while addressing his own mental health struggles.
Sean has also made occasional appearances via video calls to relatives in recent years.
He is expected to return to Albert Square later this year, with the reasons for his comeback set to be revealed in future episodes.
Kazinsky said: "I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean’s shoes again – but this time as a man, to see who Sean the man might also be.
"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.
"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."
Do you know what else these EastEnders stars have done?
Ben Wadey, executive producer of EastEnders, added: "I’m delighted to welcome Rob Kazinsky back to EastEnders as he reprises the role of Sean Slater later this year.
"Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family and as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind."
Since leaving the soap, Kazinsky has built a successful career in film and television, including roles in Pacific Rim, Warcraft, Captain Marvel and Star Trek: Section 31.
He has also appeared in True Blood, Second Chance and Law & Order: Los Angeles.
His EastEnders character is an ex-military man known for turbulent romances with Roxy Mitchell, Tanya Branning and Ruby Allen.
Sean was also involved in feuds with Max Branning (Jake Wood), Johnny Allen (Billy Murray) and Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) – leaving a trail of chaos in his wake.
He tied the knot with Roxy in 2008, but later that year he found out that Amy, the daughter he believed was his, was actually fathered by Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) – causing him to spiral and ultimately resulting in his departure.
EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
EastEnders actor Aaron Thiara reportedly set to leave the BBC soap
The news comes as EastEnders actor Aaron Thiara is reportedly set to leave the BBC soap after four years.
The 33-year-old has played Ravi Gulati since 2022 and quickly became a central figure in some of the show’s most dramatic storylines.
However, after a few years on the soap, he may be set to take on new projects.
EastEnders' top 5 villains
A source told The Sun: "Aaron has been at the centre of some of the soap's biggest storylines since his arrival as bad-boy Ravi back in 2022.
"He’s an incredibly popular member of the cast and the fans love him.
"He’s decided to focus on new projects, but will stay on set until the end of the year to see out some juicy storylines his character has in store."
A spokesperson for EastEnders declined to comment on Aaron Thiara's reported exit when contacted by Newsquest.
Are you excited to see Sean Slater return to Albert Square? Tell us in the comments below.
Share