EastEnders actress Laila Morse has quit the BBC soap after 20 years.
The 75-year-old, who has played Big Mo Harris since 2000, will be leaving Walford later this year.
Thankfully, however, fans will be pleased to hear that the loveable crook won’t be killed off and will have the chance to return if she wishes.
This comes after co-star Adam Woodyatt also took a break from the soap following his explosive storyline which involved character Ian Beale being poisoned by Sharon Watts.
(Image: BBC)
A source told The Daily Star : “Laila is leaving the show. Her current contract is coming to an end and execs agreed this was a good time to write her out.”
It is not yet clear how Big Mo will leave, however the insider confirmed that she won’t be killed off.
The Mirror have reached out to EastEnders for comment, but a spokesperson told the publication: “Just like many occasions before, Big Mo will be departing Walford.
“But as always, she’ll no doubt be back in the not too distant future.”
Laila has had many breaks over the years and made a dramatic return in 2018 after previously leaving.
The insider continued: “The current pandemic has made things very difficult. But there is hope Laila will one day be back.”
Icon June Brown quit last year as Dot Cotton after 35 years while Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Fowler, left for maternity leave.
*EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8.05pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm on BBC One
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eastenders-laila-morse-quits-big-23456212