EastEnders fans ‘devastated’ as iconic character departs following Whitney news

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EastEnders fans have been left “devastated” after the BBC soap announced Whitney Dean (played by Shona McGarty) would be leaving after 15 years – and now Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) has also been reported to be making an exit.

The iconic character made her debut back in 2017 as matriarch of the Taylor family.

In her seven-year stint, Lorraine has been won several awards for her performances, including best newcomer in 2018 and funniest female in 2019.

Her character has endured a lot of drama since arriving in Walford, and her stand-out storylines include the loss of her daughter to domestic abuse and financial struggle.

Fans have taken to social media to complain how “sad” they have been left following news both Lorraine and Shona would be leaving.

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It was announced on Sunday that Shona had decided to quit her role, while Lorraine is reportedly being written out of the soap.

A source stated: “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.”

Speaking to The Sun, they continued: “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.”

Twitter user @WalfordEast shared: “Devastated to learn both Shona McGarty (Whitney Dean) and Lorraine Stanley (Karen Taylor) will be leaving #EastEnders.”

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@gilvan2416 penned: “Karen leaving without her clan makes no sense unless others are going too. The character is too tied to all of them. #EastEnders.”

@Fabiaburlesque responded: “She [Lorraine] is a very good actor. I hope there is a new acting job for her on the horizon.”

“I wish both actresses all the best and lots of luck in the future Hoping Whitney finally finds some happiness before she leaves. I actually really like Karen, she’s a typical ‘Karen’ so I’m going to miss her annoying behaviour #EastEnders,” @DD33872584 tweeted.

@MarkySciFi1980 posted: “To the gorgeous @ShonaBM I hope you find your way in whatever you need to follow in singing or acting I’m sure [you’ll] smash it good luck in all you do and god bless your heart our #Whitney #Eastenders gonna miss you.”

@missarsenal1990 added: “Really sad news. They will be missed but I wish them all the best for the future.”

@JStevo21 commented: “An EastEnders without Karen Taylor doesn’t feel right.”

@Hildathirst11 remarked: “That’s a shame, I hope Whitney gets a nice ending.”

EastEnders continues on Monday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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