Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes.
The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer.
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But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities.
A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges.
'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.'
The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.'
An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines.
'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.'
Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC.
In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin.
Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure.
Bernie Winter star Clair Norris was left upset by her axing earlier this year.
And her on-screen cousin, Matthew James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leave alongside her next month.
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