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Who is EastEnders’ Michelle Fowler actress Jenna Russell, when did she leave and what happened with Hunter Owen and Preston?

JENNA Russell hasn't had a long run in her role as EastEnders' Michelle Fowler.

Here's all you need to know about her and that affair with teenager Preston and what happened when she left East London for good.

 Jenna Russell played Michelle Fowler in EastEnders
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Jenna Russell played Michelle Fowler in EastEndersCredit: BBC

Who is Jenna Russell?

Jenna was born in London but grew up in Dundee, Scotland, before returning to the capital.

She trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School with co-stars Letitia Young (who plays Sharon Mitchell) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale).

The actress got her first big break in ITV comedy Home to Roost, in which she played Matthew's girlfriend Christine in 1985, before taking to the stage for leading theatre roles.

Jenna joined BBC comedy On the Up in 1990, playing lead character Maggie Lomax, before taking on the role of Deborah Gilder in Born and Bred from 2002-2005.

Doctor Who fans may remember Jenna from her recurring role as the Floor Manager in 2005.

 Jenna has known Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) and Letitia Young (Sharon Mitchell) since they were teens
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Jenna has known Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) and Letitia Young (Sharon Mitchell) since they were teensCredit: BBC

What other programmes has Jenna Russell been in?

In 2005, Jenna starred in Guys and Dolls opposite Ewan McGregor and received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for the role.

She later won the Best Actress in a Musical award for her portrayal of Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George, a role she played on-and-off between 2006 and 2008.

And Jenna performed to sell-out audiences at The Southwark Playhouse - starring in the first UK production of Grey Gardens.

Who is Jenna Russell dating?

Jenna is the partner of fellow actor Raymond Coulthard, who played Alasdair Sinclair in Emmerdale and restaurant manager James Schofield in Hotel Babylon.

Raymond has also appeared in Extras, Casualty and Mr Selfridge - as well as the theatre production of The Kings Speech.

The couple have one daughter together - and Jenna's jokey Twitter bio says "mother to Ginga Ninja".

When did Jenna Russell arrive in Watford as Michelle Fowler and what happened with Preston?

Although the character sent some serious shock waves through Albert Square when she first returned, Russell is now leaving the soap.

The role of Michelle was reprised by Jenna Russell on Christmas Eve 2016.

Michelle returned to Albert Square as she needed to flee America as she was having an affair with a 17-year-old boy.

She has caused quite a stir since her comeback – including crashing her car into the chippy and nearly killing Kathy and Kush and having to put up with a creepy stalker.

Michelle confessed all to Sharon in emotional scenes before the affair was exposed in front of everyone in the pub by her niece Bex Fowler.

When is Jenna leaving EastEnders?

It was revealed in late 2017 that Jenna's character would be written out of the soap.

A TV source said at the time: “Bringing back an old character always adds much-needed nostalgia which fans love.

“But Michelle simply wasn’t going anywhere and was deemed a bit of spare part.

“Jenna is an established actress in her own right and wouldn’t want to be on the periphery.

"She won’t have any problems finding other work.”

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “Jenna is a terrific actress who has loved her time on the show playing Michelle but it was a mutual decision to write the character out.

"We wish Jenna all the best for the future.”

Michelle's last scenes are expected to be aired over the summer and involve another student storyline - this time with Hunter Owen.

Her history comes back to haunt her when devious Hunter tells his mum, Mel Owen, that Michelle tried to kiss him.

Michelle, who had reluctantly agreed to tutor Hunter, walks in on him half naked with his girlfriend, Lou Mitchell.

She then tells Mel she can't carry on teaching him.

Some horrible accusations are thrown around, but it’s her best friend Sharon Mitchell wondering if there’s something in Hunter’s claims that leaves Michelle heartbroken.

After clearing her name of abuse, Michelle realised she needed to leave Walford in order to rebuild her life.

"I can't do this no more," she said, becoming tearful with Sharon and admitting she was going to leave.

She added: "All I'll do if I stay here is turn into mum. I'm just haunting the place and you know it."

EastEnders reaches a dramatic climax as Bex challenges Michelle Fowler about sleeping with her boyfriend

 

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