Eastenders
"We are determined to give the audience, who treasured Dot for so many years, the fitting tribute that she so deeply deserves."
"Now feels like the right time for me to move on and I am excited and ready for new challenges."
"It’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud."
“Loving every minute of Freddie so far and can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in Walford.”
She has been celebrated as a "trailblazer" and "phenomenal actress" in tributes posted on social media.
The Kat Slater actor was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and drunk and disorderly conduct over the weekend.
Soap bosses weren't going to let the result pass by without being mentioned in Albert Square.
"Stuart’s experience of being diagnosed was very similar to ours."
She played Pauline Fowler's niece Mary Flaherty in the soap between 1997 and 1999.
From Deirdre Rachid's wrongful imprisonment to Brookside's body under the patio, the 90s served up their fair share of soap scandal.
About Eastenders
Having launched in 1985, 'EastEnders' remains one of the most popular soaps on TV, alongside rivals 'Coronation Street', 'Emmerdale' and 'Hollyoaks'. Over the years, the show has introduced us to characters such as Dot Branning, Phil and Grant Mitchell, Mick Carter, Ian Beale, Sharon Watts, Stacey Slater, Kat and Alfie Moon, Pat Butcher and, of course, Peggy Mitchell, who was killed off in an emotional suicide storyline in 2016. It focuses on the lives, loves and loses of the residents of Albert Square in the fictional London district of Walford, which is also home to the iconic Queen Victoria pub. Among the present cast are Danny Dyer, Shane Richie, Jessie Wallace, Kellie Bright, Jake Wood, Jacqueline Jossa, June Brown, Lacey Turner and Richard Blackwood. On this page you will find all the latest 'EastEnders' news, spoilers, storyline details, casting announcements and pictures from your favourite soap.