Bonnie Langford will leave EastEnders this autumn after more than three years playing Carmel Kazemi
The 53-year-old says the door will be left open for her character's return
BONNIE Langford will leave EastEnders this autumn after more than three years playing Carmel Kazemi.
The 53-year-old's character has struggled to come to terms with her son Shakil's death by stabbing on the BBC1 soap.
In a statement, the star said: “I’ve had a wonderful three-and-a-half years at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to be part of such an iconic show.
"My storyline has been such an incredible experience and I’m honoured to be part of something so powerful and poignant.
“However, I’ve known since the beginning of this storyline it would always lead to Carmel having to take a break from Walford.”
But fans of the star will be pleased that she is leaving the door open for a return.
"She said: “I’m not leaving just yet, there’s still plenty more to come from Carmel.”
Bonnie initially signed up for six months on the soap back in May 2015.
However, she proved so popular that she ended up staying, with fans recently praising her performing as grieving Carmel.
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An insider told : “It’s fitting his mum needs to leave the place where he died to come to terms with her loss.”
Bonnie is already looking for a change of pace - and has already lined up her next role.
She'll star as Dorothy Brock in musical 42nd Street from September 3, according to the Daily Mail.