Lorraine Stanley will reportedly leave her role as Karen Taylor on EastEnders later this year.
The 47-year-old joined the soap in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite for her portrayal of the matriarch of the Baker clan, which also includes her ex Mitch (Roger Griffiths), son Keanu (Danny Walters) and daughter Bernie (Clair Norris).
According to The Sun, exec producer Chris Clenshaw decided to axe Stanley as part of a wider cast shakeup that is also seeing Shona McGarty depart as Whitney Dean after 15 years.
"It's always a tough call for bosses when deciding which characters will leave the soap, but it has to be done to keep storylines fresh and create new arcs for characters," a source told the newspaper.
"Lorraine had a great run on the soap and was a real scene-stealer with her comic timing and she has certainly made her mark with fans."
Karen is expected to leave Walford at the end of the year.
EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
