Ricky Champ played Stuart Highway in the BBC show from 2018 to 2022.
During his time on the show, the actor was nominated for various awards, including Villain of the Year and Best Newcomer in 2019.
Fans of the show had described the exit as “perfect”, although they said at the time they would like to see him return.
Football’s not coming home, it’s staying home! Huge congratulations to the @Lionesses from everyone here at #EastEnders. 😀♥️🏆⚽ @BBC @BBCSport @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/KURv6Ffsrw
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 28, 2025
BBC EastEnders star Ricky Champ returning to soap
According to The Sun, Stuart is heading back to Albert Square for a “limited period”.
When he left EastEnders in 2022, a post on Instagram from Ricky said: “What a crazy, amazing journey.
“It’s going to be strange not having this guy living in my head.
“Farewell Mr Highway, it’s been emotional.”
His character left the show in 2022, moving away with Rainie and Roland Highway.
Fans enjoyed his exit at the time, but hoped he would return.
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On Reddit, one said: “His exit was perfect, the writers obviously knew how well loved his character was and gave him a happy exit that was brilliantly done. It was just nice to see him get waved off by people who loved him and had had good interactions with him.
“By all accounts, Ricky Champ is a very well-liked and respected actor amongst the rest of the cast. I hope this isn’t the last we see of Stuart.”
Another fan said: “I thought Stuart and Rainie’s exit was beautifully done. The two of them riding off in a stolen Hearse was brilliant.
“They were both interesting characters and brought a lot to the show. I am glad that their exit left it open for them to perhaps return one day.”
Which EastEnders stars have left in 2025?
Despite Ricky and other actors returning to the soap, a number have left this year too.
Molly Rainford was confirmed to be leaving, with popular star Bobby Brazier also heading for the door.
Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor, has left the show after eight years, with Matthew James Morrison’s time as Felix Baker also coming to an end.
One of the biggest departures of the year was Natalie Cassidy, who played Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, and left the show after 32 years.
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Speaking about her exit, she said: “It felt very final but also very good. It’s a nice place to leave Sonia after so much has happened to her.
“Sonia feels like she’s never going to live down what happened with Reiss, so the only thing to do is leave the Square.
“I’m never going to say goodbye to her because, after 32 years, Sonia is ingrained in me. So, while I’m saying goodbye on screen, for now, Sonia is always there, knocking about!”
