Which EastEnders characters work/have worked well without a family unit around them.

Off the top of my head, I can name Stacey and Carol. Who else?

Nancy Carter works better with Tamwar than with her family

Stacey works very well as a standalone character.

Shirley is also MUCH better when away from her family.

Whitney is very good with Lee. And Nancy and Tamwar.

I agree.

Lauren is good as a solo character before she left

Shirley is more likeable without any family around.

But she's also all the more dull for it. Catch 22.

Phil Mitchell No only joking Maybe Fatboy but he is missing Mrs B so much

Tracey has worked well for the last 30 years without any family around her at all.

Steve Owen was the best of this type of character. Dan Sullivan too.

Jay. Though I always thought his relationship with Dawn was amaaaaaaaaaaazing. She was more like a mother/sister/friend than a substitute mum. So, sooo glad he may potentially leave the Mitchells. I hope he changes his surname back too if he officially changed it.

Janine definitely. Much as I loved Pat and Frank she's a character who can do well with or without a family. I quite liked her scenes with David as well.

If she ever returns she'll have at least one family member in Scarlett around though.

Dot
Janine
Shirley
Jay
Fats