EastEnders fans fear cast crisis as ANOTHER star quits Walford
EASTENDERS fans have been left fearing a cast crisis after a total of SEVENTEEN stars have quit the soap in the space of a year.
The latest, veteran star Charlie Brooks, recently announced her time on the BBC One soap was up as she confirmed plans to exit her role at the end of her current contract.
She has become the 17th star to walk away from Albert Square in just 12 months.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Charlie, 41, who has played soap villain Janine Butcher on-and-off since 1999, will film her explosive exit this year.
Her final scenes are expected to air over the New Year period.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Charlie said: “I was only ever due back to EastEnders for a year, but when [exec producer] Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer.
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“I’ve had an amazing time, as I always do when I go back.
“But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome — for everyone’s sake.”
The latest walk-out has prompted questions from EastEnders fans about why the cast turnover is so high and what BBC bosses are doing to stop even more high-profile names walking out of the door.
Other stars to have also recently quit the show include Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Rose departed as Frankie Lewis just last week and her departure was originally intended to be kept secret, but it was revealed when Rose confirmed her commercial partnership with Barbie – launching the first doll with hearing aids.
It is believed Rose walked out on the show that made her a household name in order to capitalise on her Strictly success.
Speaking of leaving, Rose said: “It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders’ first regular deaf actor.
“I have loved my time on the show and Frankie has been such an awesome character to play, however now feels like the right time for me to move on and I am excited and ready for new challenges.”
Other huge names to have quit the show include Maisie Smith and Danny Dyer.
Maisie (Tiffany Butcher) departed the show at the beginning of this year while Danny’s exit as Mick Carter is imminent.
The stars join a growing list of characters who have said their final farewells to The Queen Vic.
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They join characters which have already left – Peter, Rainie, Nancy, Aaron, Isaac, Keegan, Gray, Mila and Iqra.
With Danny and Charlie on their way out as Mick and Janine they are also set to be followed by Jada, Dana, Stuart and Lola in the cast shake-up.
EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.