EastEnders' Karen Taylor star Lorraine Stanley breaks silence after axing

05 October 2023 , 17:11

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EastEnders' Karen Taylor star Lorraine Stanley breaks silence after axing

Lorraine Stanley, renowned for her role as Karen Taylor in the popular BBC soap EastEnders, has spoken out about her departure from the show and potential move to a rival soap.

Stanley's character was written out of the series after seven years as part of a significant cast reshuffle. Notably, her on-screen children - Keegan ( Zack Morris ), Keanu (Danny Walters), Bernadette (Clair Norris), Chantelle (Jessica Plummer), Riley (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham (Alfie Jacobs) - will also be exiting Albert Square.

Upon receiving news of her character's impending exit, Stanley expressed a "mix of emotions". She said: "I was sad, it was a mix of emotions, it's sad but it's exciting as now I can go and do what I want."

Lorraine Stanley is renowned for her role as Karen Taylor (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Speaking to The Sun, the actress also hinted at the possibility of joining another soap, stating: "I think it would have to be Corrie and I would have to be the new landlady." Reflecting on her iconic character, Stanley added: "I just want people to remember her as the best mum on the square, a heart of gold, she'd give you her last fiver and would do anything for her kids - a bit like myself." Despite being a beloved member of the show, Karen's character has not been without controversy and chaos.

One of her first acts was to punch Sharon Watts (played by Letitia Dean) in the face, setting a precedent for her future role. But she has not just caused havoc for the other characters as she has also made a lot of friends. She has also been admired for her protective nature over her family as she is the true matriarch of the Taylor family.

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Taking to Instagram following the news of her departure, Lorraine wrote: "Hey everyone! I'm so grateful for all of your lovely messages this past week. Thank you to Daran Little for creating the Taylors and to the BBC for giving me the opportunity to play such a fabulous character, I'll be sad to be saying goodbye to Karen Taylor and will miss all the cast and crew at EastEnders."

"However I'm looking forward to my next chapter and excited about being a jobbing Actor again and starting new ventures. Again your kind words of support have been amazing!!! I'm going to miss my Taylor/Baker famalam Clair Norris, Danny Walters, Roger Griffiths and Matthew Morrison. Much love."

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Harry Rutter