<P> As of May 2018 , 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 . Dot Cotton is the longest - serving female character in the show having served since 1985 , whilst Pat Butcher is the longest - serving former character , appearing from 1986 until 2012 . </P>
<P> As of May 2018 , 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 . Dot Cotton is the longest - serving female character in the show having served since 1985 , whilst Pat Butcher is the longest - serving former character , appearing from 1986 until 2012 . </P>
who has been in the most episodes of eastenders
who has been in the most episodes of eastenders
Adam Woodyatt
Adam Woodyatt