22 January 2024 , 20:55
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An EastEnders legend has left the soap to embark on a new project.
Tameka Empson who plays Kim Fox in the BBC soap, has decided to step away from Albert Square in favour of a new venture. On Monday night, Tameka made an appearance on The One Show where she announced Kim's departure. She said: "Kim’s gonna be okay! She’s gonna be ok - she’s going on a nice cruise with Howie and the children. She will be enjoying herself. She’ll be fine!"
Tameka revealed the "Kimfluencer" will be very much alive during her time off screens. She added: "But it’s given me a little bit of a break to do a project that I’m so passionate about."
Kim will be taking some time away from Albert Square (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)During Kim's time away, Tameka is set to join the cast of The Big Life at the Stratford East Theatre. Starting in February, the actress will play the role of Mrs Aphrodite. Not only is Tameka a star of the show, she also co-wrote the musical. The Big Life combines William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labours Lost with tales of the Windrush immigration.
The historical musical follows four men onboard HMT Empire Windrush as they arrive in the UK and get more than they bargained for when they meet a group of women. It will run from February 16 to March 30 2024. Tameka will be taking a break from her role as Kim while she works on the theatre production.
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Kim has had a tough time in Albert Square after she crashed her car following the uncovering of her sister Denise's affair with Ravi Gulati. Kim noticed text messages on her sister's phone but soon lost control of her car when she swerved to avoid a pedestrian. Denzel Danes was seriously injured in the crash and her relationship with Howie became strained.
Tameka Empson opened up about her exit (BBC)The couple have since reconnected as Howie became a supportive figure through Kim's prison ordeal. She was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder which knocked her confidence. Howie supported Kim and even encouraged her to make online videos again.
It has not been confirmed how long Kim will be away from the soap. In spoilers released for this week, it has been confirmed there will be four departures, including one resident who will at some point make a permanent exit from the show. While it's thought all four characters who leave this week will be back soon, there's a chance that only three of the four characters will be back on screen.
That's because one of the names was confirmed to be leaving the soap after over 15 years a few months ago, while they remain on screen for the time being. As for the other three, some family news and a business opportunity see them all departing Walford for some time away, but they are thought to be returning. That said, it has not been specified how long they will be gone for or when they will be back. The characters making swift exits after Martin Fowler, Whitney Dean, Kim Fox and Howie Danes.