EASTENDERS star Tamzin Outhwaite has confirmed she is leaving the soap this autumn.
She returned to the BBC one series as Mel Owen in 2017 following a lengthy break away.
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However her contract is now up and Tamzin will be bidding farewell to Albert Square later this autumn.
She said: “When John [Yorke] asked me to return to EastEnders back in 2017, I jumped at the chance to play Mel once more but it was only supposed to be for a year.
“That year quickly passed and I agreed to stay on for another, but now the time feels right to once again pursue other challenges.
“I will of course miss so many people here at EastEnders, and I will forever have good memories of my time at the show, but I am also excited to experience new roles outside of Walford.”
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EastEnders’ executive producer John Yorke added: “We are extremely grateful to Tamzin for reviving the character of Mel Owen back in 2017, allowing EastEnders fans the chance to see one of Walford’s most popular characters take centre stage once more.
“Tamzin is an incredible talent who has set our screens on fire with her wonderful performances in some of our most iconic storylines.
“We wish her the best of luck for the future.”
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Insiders told The Sun Tamzin’s character would be going out with an “explosive final storyline”.
A source said: “Mel is a massive character on the Square so it’s going to be a massive exit.
“You can always expect fireworks where she is involved and this is going to be no different.
“They’ve started filming the scenes and they will air later this autumn.”
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When Tamzin returned to EastEnders it was only supposed to be 12 months but her contract was extended for another year.
Last month fans of the BBC One show predicted Tamzin had called time on the soap and had turned down the offer of staying on the soap.
Many have predicted that her exit will coincide with the return of her on-screen son, Hunter, who is currently banged up in prison after shooting dead his stepdad Ray Kelly.
