Maisie Smith quits EastEnders after 13 years on the BBC soap after being inundated with big money offers
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Maisie Smith has quit EastEnders after 13 years.
The Sun revealed last December how the actress was gearing up to quit after being inundated with big money offers.
Maisie, who was six-years-old when she joined the BBC One soap in 2008, will leave Albert Square at the end of the year.
She said: “It’s time to say farewell to Tiff! I’ve grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years.
“I’m very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a six-year-old.”
EastEnders’ Executive Producer Jon Sen added: “We are all very sad to see Maisie leave.
“She’s been a wonderful company member during her time at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to see her blossom into the star she is.
“She has created an iconic character in Tiff and the door is always open to her return.
“We wish her all the very best for her future projects.”
Insiders told The Sun Maisie, 19, chose not to renew her contract this month as she looked to pursue other opportunities.
After her stint on Strictly last year, where she was a runner up with pro dancer Gorka Marquez, Maisie had been offered six-figure sums to team up with beauty and clothing brands.
Her deal with the BBC meant she was unable to take on any other offers.
In her time on the soap Tiffany has been involved in a number of big storylines, including a shock grooming scandal in 2019.
She won a British Soap Award ten years prior for Best Dramatic Performance for a Young Actor or Actress.
Maisie told The Sun last November she was keen to pursue her career away from Albert Square and was looking for more opportunities.
She said: “In the future I want to try new things and I want to play new characters.”
Maisie’s exit storyline has not yet been revealed.
Currently on the soap she has been seen coping with the breakdown of her marriage to her husband Keegan and the return of her brother Liam.