EastEnders actress Maisie Smith is reportedly set to bow out as Tiffany Butcher, after 13 years in the role.
The Strictly Come Dancing star is “unlikely to renew her current contract with the BBC soap” according to new reports.
Maisie is a hit with fans, and has been at the centre of some big storylines – currently married to Keegan Baker after a teenage whirlwind romance.
Mail Online claim sources revealed she will plan to crack Hollywood, after her success on Strictly 2020.
The Mirror have reached out to a spokesperson for the soap for comment.
A source told the publication: “Maisie is hugely ambitious and wants to test herself away from soaps.
“Starring in movies is a personal goal and seeing how well Ben and Himesh have done, it’s given her hope she could be the next box office star from EastEnders.
“The only stumbling block is whether COVID-19 and the knock-on effect of the pandemic will dilute the pool of acting opportunities.
(Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)
“If it remains bleak, the sensible move might be staying put for another year. But the intention is to leave in October.”
The source added: ‘Maisie loves EastEnders and idolises some of her co-stars, some of whom have been great role models for her.
‘She believes the soap has been the perfect place to learn her trade and she owes them so much. Leaving will be a wrench but at least she knows she could return.’
It’s thought she could bow out in big Christmas scenes, while the soap has not confirmed the news and for now it is speculation.
Tiffany recently agreed to be a surrogate for Rainie and Stuart Highway, before realising she wasn’t ready.
Meanwhile Maisie made it to the live final of Strictly in December, with her impressive performances with dance partner Gorka Marquez.
EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.