EastEnders’ Laila Morse ‘QUITS the soap after 20 years as veteran Big Mo… but bosses leave the door open for her return’
EastEnders star Laila Morse is reportedly set to exit the soap after more than 20 years as Big Mo.
The actress, 75, will be leaving Walford within weeks after EastEnders bosses decided not to renew her contract.
They reportedly agreed it was a good time for Laila to be written out of the show however, her character will not be killed off and the door will be left open for her return.
Leaving: EastEnders star Laila Morse is reportedly set to exit the soap after more than 20 years as Big Mo
Laila, who has played market dealer Big Mo Harris since 2000, has taken many breaks over the years and made a dramatic return in 2018.
The Daily Star first reported that the iconic character would be leaving the show with a show source telling the publication: ‘Laila is leaving the show.
‘Her current contract is coming to an end and execs agreed this was a good time to write her out.’
Iconic character: The Big Mo actress will be leaving Walford within weeks after EastEnders bosses decided not to renew her contract
However, the exit is not expected to be permanent, with the source adding: ‘It hasn’t been decided how Big Mo will leave. But it is unlikely to be too explosive and she definitely won’t die.’
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: ‘Just like many occasions before, Big Mo will be departing Walford.
‘But as always, she’ll no doubt be back in the not too distant future.’
Not gone yet: Bosses agreed it was a good time for Laila to be written out of the show however, they agreed her character will not be killed off and the door will be left open for her return
Uncertain: Laila’s exit is expected to air around late spring but the timing of her possible return is still uncertain, especially amidst the Covid-19 pandemic
Laila’s exit is expected to air around late spring but the timing of her possible return is still uncertain, especially amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
An insider told the Daily Star: ‘Laila has had a few breaks over the years. Her character often comes and goes depending on the storylines.
‘There is no set timescale in place for her to return. It’s very difficult for producers to plan ahead because of coronavirus.
‘The current pandemic has made things very difficult. But there is hope Laila will one day be back.’