A prominent EastEnders actor has reportedly been let go from the long-running BBC soap after less than two years on the square. Roland Manookian, who joined the show in 2023, is believed to have already filmed his final scenes as hardman Teddy Mitchell.
Mitchell Family Revamp Cut Short
The 46-year-old actor was introduced as the secret half-brother of Billy Mitchell, arriving with his on-screen sons played by Elijah Holloway and Lewis Bridgeman. His casting was intended to revitalise the iconic Mitchell family with a new branch. However, according to a report in The Sun, bosses decided the character had "run his course" after just 18 months.
A source told the publication: "There were big hopes for the Mitchells being revitalised by the new family but things obviously changed for some reason and the material just wasn't there for Teddy. Bosses made the decision that the character had run his course and that was that."
An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed the departure, stating: "We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future."
New Face Arrives in Walford
As one star departs, another prepares to make her mark. Award-winning comedian and actress Ronni Ancona, 57, is set to join the cast for a stint as Bea, an old school acquaintance of Linda Carter.
Ancona, best known for the BAFTA-winning BBC sketch show The Big Impression where she famously impersonated characters like Peggy Mitchell, expressed her excitement. "I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders," she said.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: "I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Ronni Ancona... Bea’s character is mysterious, and we’re thrilled to have an esteemed actress and comedian like Ronni playing her."
A Week of Exits and New Beginnings
The cast changes come on the heels of another emotional exit from Albert Square. This week, viewers saw characters Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) leave Walford to travel to Australia in touching scenes.
Their departure, which aired on Tuesday night, saw them waved off by family including Jean Slater and George Knight before walking hand-in-hand out of the Square under the Christmas lights.
For Roland Manookian, known for film roles in The Football Factory and Rise of the Footsoldier, his EastEnders chapter is now closing. The show continues to evolve, balancing the departure of established characters with the introduction of new faces poised to bring fresh drama to the residents of Walford.
