Robert Kazinsky is heading back to EastEnders in the role of Sean Slater, marking his comeback to the BBC drama 17 years after his previous appearance.
The performer initially joined the fictional London borough in 2006 as a central figure within the Slater household, starring opposite his on-screen mother Jean (played by Gillian Wright) and sibling Stacey (portrayed by Lacey Turner).
His exit from the square occurred on the first day of 2009 following a tense narrative arc with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), during which it emerged that the child he had believed to be his own had actually been conceived by someone else.
The character has popped back on screen a handful of times since that initial departure, including a 2019 plotline where he assisted his mother during her cancer treatment while confronting his own psychological wellbeing.
Sean has also made sporadic video call appearances to family members in more recent times.
He will make his way back to the square later in the year, with explanations for his return set to unfold in upcoming instalments.
Kazinsky stated that he departed the show in 2008 as a young 23-year-old and felt fortunate to spend the following 19 years working internationally, consistently speaking highly of EastEnders and making clear his desire to once again portray Sean, though this time as a mature man, to explore who the character might become. He wanted to return for the sake of the character, for the supporters who had followed his work after leaving the show, but primarily for himself. He noted that he was back home and eager to introduce a fresh kind of passionate mayhem to the area in the distinctive manner only Sean Slater could deliver.
Ben Wadey, the programme’s executive producer, commented that he was thrilled to welcome Kazinsky back to the show as he revisits the part of Sean Slater later this year. He noted that Sean had been a significant member of the Slater family and that viewers would already be aware that wherever Sean appears, conflict tends to follow closely behind.
Since his time on the soap concluded, Kazinsky has developed a thriving career across cinema and television, accumulating credits in productions such as Pacific Rim, Warcraft, Captain Marvel and Star Trek: Section 31.
He has also featured in True Blood, Second Chance and Law & Order: Los Angeles.
His EastEnders portrayal depicted a former serviceman recognised for complicated romantic entanglements with Roxy Mitchell, Tanya Branning and Ruby Allen.
The character additionally became entangled in disputes with Max Branning (Jake Wood), Johnny Allen (Billy Murray) and Jake Moon (Joel Beckett), leaving disruption in his wake throughout his time in the programme.
He married Roxy in 2008, though later that same year discovered that Amy, the daughter he had presumed was his, had actually been fathered by Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), which caused his mental state to deteriorate and ultimately prompted his exit.
The news arrives as reports suggest EastEnders performer Aaron Thiara is preparing to depart the BBC soap following a four-year stint.
The 33-year-old has portrayed Ravi Gulati since 2022 and rapidly became involved in some of the programme’s most explosive narratives.
However, after a number of years with the serial, he may be set to pursue fresh ventures.
A source informed The Sun that Aaron has been at the heart of several major plotlines since his arrival as the rebellious Ravi in 2022. They noted that he is a hugely popular cast member whom audiences adore. He has chosen to prioritise new ventures but will remain on set through the end of the year to complete some compelling storylines awaiting his character.
An EastEnders representative declined to offer a statement regarding Aaron Thiara’s rumoured departure when approached by Newsquest.