BBC EastEnders star confirmed to be leaving the soap

Glasgow Times

17 hours ago

Molly Rainford, known for playing Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight on the BBC soap, will be leaving.
She joined the show two years ago but will leave for new career options, according to reports.
The BBC has confirmed the star's exit and wished her well for the future.
EastEnders star Molly Rainford set to leave BBC soap
A BBC spokesman told Newsquest: "We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.'
On the exit, an insider told The Sun: "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's character Anna is the daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale.
She made her first appearance in June 2023.
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The now 24-year-old from London rose to fame on Britain's Got Talent.
In 2012, at the age of 11, she made it to the final of the ITV competition, finishing sixth after a rendition of Beyoncé's version of "Ave Maria" in the final.
In March 2023, it was announced that she had been cast in EastEnders.
Since joining the soap, she has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, where she finished as the runner-up alongside professional partner Carlos Gu.
Other EastEnders exits confirmed in 2025
Molly is not the only star to leave the show this year.
Bobby Brazier is leaving popular BBC soap EastEnders after four years.
Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor, has also left the show after eight years.
Team #EastEnders has won Soap of the Year at the 2025 @TRICawards . A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us, we appreciate each and every one of you! 🥳 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7YQ6qU1qFz — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 24, 2025
In March, it was revealed that Matthew James Morrison's time as Felix Baker was coming to an end.
One of the biggest departures of the year was Natalie Cassidy, who played Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, and left the show after 32 years.
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Speaking about her exit, she said: 'It felt very final but also very good. It's a nice place to leave Sonia after so much has happened to her.
'Sonia feels like she's never going to live down what happened with Reiss, so the only thing to do is leave the Square.
'I'm never going to say goodbye to her because, after 32 years, Sonia is ingrained in me. So, while I'm saying goodbye on screen, for now, Sonia is always there, knocking about!'