# Cast changes in GZSZ soap opera

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cast-changes-in-gzsz-soap-opera
> Updated: 2026-09-16T09:15:20.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

The German RTL soap opera ‘Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten’ (GZSZ) is experiencing cast changes in September 2026.

Long-standing actress Anne Menden is returning to the series as the character Emily on September 7 following maternity leave. Her return involves storylines centered on internal character conflict and confrontations with former rivals.

Concurrently, Nina Ensmann is departing the series after four years. Her final episode as Jessica Reichelt is scheduled to air on October 1, 2026, on RTL, with an earlier release available on RTL+. Ensmann described the departure as “incredibly difficult,” citing the emotional bond she formed with colleagues. Her final scenes include emotional moments with co-star Lars Pape, who plays her character’s father, Michi.

In the series, Jessica’s storyline will conclude with a “happy end” as she moves to London to work in a hospital alongside her husband, Philip. Personally, Ensmann is leaving Berlin to return to her home in the Rhineland to be with her family.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Nina Ensmann to leave GZSZ soap opera after four years

Actress Nina Ensmann is leaving the RTL series ‘Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten’ after four years. Her character, Jessica, will depart for London in a final episode airing October 1, 2026.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amira-aly-experiences-pregnancy-contractions-ahead-of-maternity-leave

### 2026-09-03: Anne Menden returns to GZSZ after maternity leave

Actress Anne Menden returns to the RTL soap opera ‘Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten’ as Emily on September 7, following her maternity leave.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anne-menden-returns-to-gzsz-after-maternity-leave

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Cite as: Cast changes in GZSZ soap opera. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cast-changes-in-gzsz-soap-opera