❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie are to take breaks from EastEnders later this year to pursue other projects.
It comes following the news that their co-star Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe Slater, will be leaving the BBC One soap soon.
A spokesperson told Radio Times on Saturday (11 July): “We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.
“However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.”
It’s also been reported that Zoe will be killed off, and that Ryan has already filmed her final scenes on the serial drama’s set in Elstree, Hertfordshire.
Wallace – who has played Kat Moon since 2000 – will be swapping the Square for the stage when she steps into villainous Captain Hook’s shoes in the New Wimbledon Theatre’s production of Peter Pan, reports The Sun. Performances will take place between December and January.
A source told the publication: “Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto. Bosses agreed to the short break because it’s over Christmas and won’t hugely affect filming.
“It’s a huge bonus for Jessie. She’s one of the show’s biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances.”
RT also understands that her on-screen husband Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, has signed on the dotted line to appear alongside Steps singer Faye Tozer at the Cliffs Pavilion theatre in Southend-on-Sea.
He will play Muddles in performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs over the festive period.
EastEnders declined to comment when approached by Radio Times, though it’s understood that the breaks won’t be addressed on-screen and that the characters will remain in Albert Square, albeit off-screen.
Read more:
- EastEnders confirms Zoe Slater exit as legendary character tipped to be killed off
- EastEnders confirms Hollyoaks favourite cast as new detective for major Branning storyline
- EastEnders legend teases “dangerous” dynamic between Max Branning and Cindy Beale
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
