List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2025

Councillor Donald Barker, played by Iain Fletcher, made his first appearance on 21 January 2025 in a guest capacity.

[2][3] EastEnders spoilers revealed that Martin Fowler (James Bye) arranges a meeting with Councillor Barker and is stressed when it is brought forward, so he gets support from his girlfriend Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).

Steven Murphy from Inside Soap teased that Ruby's initial meeting with the Councillor would not go as well as she hoped due to the pair getting into a big argument.

[3] Following this, Ruby tries to make things right and attempts to carry out an "ambitious plan" with Mr Barker after running into him at the Minute Mart.

[2][4][5] Lewis Knight from Radio Times believed that it was obvious that Ruby is trying to impress Martin with the plan as she is insecure about his relationship with his former wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).