Ronni Ancona is leaving EastEnders after six months, Radio Times can confirm.
The actress and comedian joined the BBC soap in January as madcap villain Bea Pollard, an old friend of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), with the women reuniting after decades at a school reunion.
At the time of her casting, executive producer Ben Wadey said: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Ronni Ancona to EastEnders playing the character of Bea.
“Bea’s character is mysterious, and we’re thrilled to have an esteemed actress and comedian like Ronni playing her.”
Bea was clearly in a bad way, moving to Walford and forcing herself onto Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) and husband Billy (Perry Fenwick). She moved in with the couple and then attempted to monopolise their lives.
Desperate for money, Bea used Honey’s passport to gain a fraudulent credit card, and when the secret was exposed, she decided to seek revenge. After tampering with a latter outside of the Mitchells’ home, she watched in horror as Honey climbed the rungs and fell.
She’s also enjoyed a brief relationship with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), and is currently trying to worm her way back into Honey’s good books.
However, like all villains, an exit is imminent.
Radio Times understands that Ancona’s contract has already been extended beyond her initial guest stint following the success of the character, though a departure was always on the cards due to the nature of her storyline.
In forthcoming scenes, Honey finally feels well enough to enjoy some quality time with Billy after her accident, and the couple take comfort from the fact that Bea has moved in with Mo Harris (Laila Morse).
Although things appear calmer on the surface, underlying tensions remain. Honey and Billy enjoy a date together, and afterwards, Bea overhears him discussing it with Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
Spotting an opportunity, she wastes little time in stepping in and later invites Honey out for a drink.
The storyline will ramp up over the following weeks ahead of an explosive last hurrah, which was initially reported in The Sun last night.
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