EastEnders legend confirms soap axe in emotional post thanking BBC cast

EASTENDERS star Lorraine Stanley has confirmed her exit as Karen Taylor.

The Sun revealed how Karen actress Lorraine had been axed from the soap on Sunday after seven years playing the single mum.

Now Lorraine has admitted she will miss the soap after she’s gone and she thanked fans for their support.

Writing on Instagram, she said: “Hey everyone! I’m so grateful for all of your lovely messages this past week.

“Thank you to @daranlittle for creating the Taylors and to the BBC for giving me the opportunity to play such a fabulous character.

“@bbceastenders 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 & 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 @matthew_james_morrison ….Much love xxx”

She will be written out at the end of the year.

A source said: “It’s always a tough call for bosses when deciding which characters will leave the soap, but it has to be done to keep storylines fresh and create new arcs for characters.

“Lorraine had a great run on the soap and was a real scene stealer with her comic timing and she has certainly made her mark with fans.”

Earlier this month, Portsmouth-born Lorraine announced her engagement to her partner of nine years, Mark Perez. They have a daughter together.

Last month, EastEnders won the top prize at the British Soap Awards and is expected to scoop more at the Inside Soap Awards this year.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw has made a series of bold moves, including bringing back stalwarts Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, and spiky Cindy, played by Michelle Collins.