Showbiz

EastEnders star EXITS show after BBC bosses ‘write out’ beloved historic character in ‘uneasy decision’

EastEnders star EXITS show after BBC bosses ‘write out’ beloved historic character in ‘uneasy decision’

Matthew James Morrison will ‘exit EastEnders’ after three years on the square. 

The actor, 32, is best known for his soap character Felix Baker, and arrived in the east end in 2019 as a cousin of the Taylors. 

But after just a few storylines, the character’s final scenes will soon arrive after BBC bosses decided to write him out, according to The Sun. 

A source said: ‘It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave.

‘Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix.’

A BBC spokeswoman told the publication: ‘We can confirm that Matthew will be leaving EastEnders later in the year.’

Matthew James Morrison will 'exit EastEnders' after three years on the square. The actor, 32, is best known for his soap character Felix Baker, and arrived in 2019 as a cousin of the Taylors

Matthew James Morrison will ‘exit EastEnders’ after three years on the square. The actor, 32, is best known for his soap character Felix Baker, and arrived in 2019 as a cousin of the Taylors

But after just a few storylines, the character's final scenes will soon arrive after BBC bosses decided to write him out, according to the Sun

But after just a few storylines, the character’s final scenes will soon arrive after BBC bosses decided to write him out, according to the Sun

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for a comment.   

Felix first arrived in Walford back in 2019 as part of the Baker family—cousins of the Taylors—alongside his dad Avery and brother Finlay. 

But tragedy struck early, with Avery meeting an untimely end just weeks later, and Finlay getting the boot after only a year.

Felix made history as the soap’s first-ever drag queen character, dazzling viewers with his alter ego, Tara Misu. 

His grand entrance in 2022 was met with huge excitement, with Mathew saying at the time: ‘I am blessed to have the opportunity to step into the heels of the fierce Tara Misu as part of my role on EastEnders.

‘It’s a privilege to represent the community and to showcase the creative art of drag to both viewers at home and the residents of Walford.’   

However, despite the initial hype, Felix was quietly pushed to the sidelines, taking a job as a barman at The Albert rather than getting any major storylines. 

Fans were quick to voice their disappointment, calling out the show for underusing such a groundbreaking character.

Felix made history as the soap's first-ever drag queen character, dazzling viewers with his alter ego, Tara Misu (pictured)

Felix made history as the soap’s first-ever drag queen character, dazzling viewers with his alter ego, Tara Misu (pictured)

The news of Felix's departure comes just weeks after Nata lie Cᴀssidy also quit the show after nearly 32 years playing Sonia Fowler

The news of Felix’s departure comes just weeks after Nata lie Cᴀssidy also quit the show after nearly 32 years playing Sonia Fowler 

One of his most iconic moments saw him, in full drag as Tara Misu, facing off against Walford hardman Phil Mitchell—a rare feat in the soap’s history. 

The news of Felix’s departure comes in the same week as another major shake-up behind the scenes. 

EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw has stepped down after three years at the helm, having revitalised the soap in time for its 40th anniversary. 

He’ll be replaced by former Channel 4 commissioning executive Ben Wadey, who now has the task of steering the show into its next era.

The news of Felix’s departure comes just weeks after Natalie Cᴀssidy also quit the show after nearly 32 years playing Sonia Fowler. 

The actress, 41, has announced she will be leaving the BBC soap for good following her return last year for its 40th anniversary.

In a statement given to The Sun, Natalie said: ‘I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited.

‘After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.

‘Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.’

The publication reports that Natalie will film her final scenes next month around the 40th anniversary week.  

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007 (pictured in 1999)

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007 (pictured in 1999)

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007.

She returned as Sonia for a year in 2010 and then returned again last year. 

The character is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Calwell’s baby, unaware that he murdered his ex-wife Debbie, a crime Sonia was charged with.

A jury found her not guilty after Reiss managed to produce a video of her sister, Bianca Butcher, falsely confessing to the killing. 

Natalie reportedly told bosses she was planning on leaving EastEnders last summer.

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