Jennifer Metcalfe
Although recent newspaper reports suggested that Jennifer is heading for a career in Hollywood, there are no plans for her to bow out as Mercedes McQueen at the moment.
Mercedes is expected to go off-screen for a while soon as Jennifer did pantomime over Christmas and is now on a break from filming until mid-February, but she will definitely be back.
New character Kevin
Actor Elliot Balchin has tweeted to announce his casting on the show.
Balchin is playing the role of Kevin, a mystery guy who arrives in the village at the end of the month when Mitzeee Minniver is interviewing for barmen at Chez Chez.
Kevin appears to have secured the job when Brendan Brady vetoes all of the other applicants. Later, though, it's clear that Kevin might not be all he seems when he starts spying on Brendan and Ste and reports back to a mystery contact - what's he up to?
Doug Carter
Doug returns to the village on January 29 following his time away in America, and seems to be happier than ever as he arrives back. Will Doug have moved on from his estranged husband Ste?
At the same time, Ste still hasn't told Amy the truth about the changes in his love life. Will he ever make contact with her to explain that he's now with Brendan? Either way, we know she's back next month!
Brendan and Mitzeee
'Britzeee' fans will be pleased to know that they share more scenes together in late January as Brendan loses his temper with Mitzeee and tells her the truth about his abusive childhood.
Mitzeee encourages Brendan to open up further, but will he want to confide in her?
I can't believe Doug is back............ I thought we had gotten rid of him for good, Im off now to look up this new character to see if he is a fittie or not