EastEnders star Jessie Wallace to take a break after Michelle Ryan exit
The actress has secured a new role
EastEnders star Jessie Wallace is taking a break from the BBC One soap.
The actress has played the role of Kat Slater in the show on and off since 2000. Kat and partner Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) currently run the Queen Vic, and their lives are always packed full of chaos.
A change looms for the family in the near future, as Jessie will be briefly saying goodbye to Kat’s iconic leopard print wardrobe and the drama in Walford.
The star, who is 54, will play the role of Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s panto production of Peter Pan.
The show will run between December and January, and will also star Aston Merrygold, Tom Read Wilson and Pete Firman.
A source told The Sun: ‘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’.
Given the fact panto only runs across the festive period, it’s safe to assume Jessie’s break from the soap will only be temporary.
Metro has contacted EastEnders for a comment.
This development comes just days after the news Jessie’s co-star Michelle Ryan has reportedly been axed.
The 42-year-old actress thrilled fans when she returned to Albert Square last June as Zoe Slater, before joining the soap full-time again in August.
But now it’s been confirmed by the BBC that Michelle will be leaving, with reports that Zoe is set to meet a shocking end and be killed off, making her exit permanent.
Michelle originally appeared as Zoe from 2000 to 2005, before leaving for Hollywood after landing the lead role in the Bionic Woman remake.
The Sun alleges that Michelle requested time off from the soap earlier this year before quitting EastEnders, with writers then deciding her character would face tragedy when written out.
A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘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.’
An insider has since revealed to Metro: ‘Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.’
The actress is thought to have filmed her final scenes in Walford last month, with her departure set to play out over the coming months.
