EastEnders icon makes surprise return at Christmas after soap axe

25 December 2023 , 21:57

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EastEnders aired a surprise return this evening - just days after the character exited Walford for good (Image: BBC)

EastEnders aired a surprise return for Karen Taylor this evening - just days after she exited Walford for good.

Karen (played by Lorraine Stanley) was exposed by her son and Phil Mitchell for being behind the kidnap of Albie and as a result, she quickly decided to make a beeline for Spain alongside Mitch and her kids. Keanu was left reeling by her exit, but refused to come clean that he had played a big part in it - with the secrets definitely not staying that way for longer.

Tonight, as Bernie struggled all alone in the flat on Christmas enjoying a tin of sweets, she was soon interrupted by a video call from her mum and Mitch in Spain. Fans were overjoyed to see Karen back - if not virtually.

Lorraine Stanley departed the Square a couple of weeks ago (BBC)

During her chat, she told her mum she was doing fine - and was only sat in the dark because she liked it that way - not because she was struggling with money. With her mum wishing her a very happy Christmas from their home in Spain, Bernie seemed troubled by the call and eventually decided to head over to Phil Mitchell's house so he'd know the truth about Keanu.

Following her exit, Lorraine shared a sweet message with viewers, sharing her excitement for a new chapter.

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"I'm totally overwhelmed with the lovely messages. Thank you so much, they really do mean a lot. Big shout out to Daran Little for creating the Taylors, and Sean O'Connor for giving me the opportunity," she said following her exit scenes.

"I'll be sad to be saying goodbye to Karen and will miss all the cast and crew. However I'm looking forward to my next chapter and excited about being a jobbing Actor again & starting new ventures. Again your kind words of support have been amazing!!!"

Lorraine admitted at the time she felt a "mix of emotions" at her shock soap exit.

"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," she said, "I want people to remember her as the best mum on the square, a heart of gold, she's give you her last fiver and would do anything for her kids - a bit like myself."

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Jasmine Allday