Jessie Wallace, best known for playing Kat Slater on EastEnders, is taking a temporary break from the BBC One soap to appear in pantomime. The 54-year-old actress will portray Captain Hook in the New Wimbledon Theatre's production of Peter Pan, running from December to January. The production also features Aston Merrygold, Tom Read Wilson, and Pete Firman.
Short break approved by bosses
A source told The Sun: 'Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto. Bosses agreed to the short break because it’s over Christmas and won’t hugely affect filming. It’s a huge bonus for Jessie. She’s one of the show’s biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances.'
Given that panto runs only during the festive period, Wallace's absence from Walford is expected to be brief. Metro has contacted EastEnders for comment.
Michelle Ryan exit confirmed
This development comes just days after news that Jessie's co-star Michelle Ryan has reportedly been axed. The 42-year-old actress thrilled fans when she returned to Albert Square last June as Zoe Slater, before joining the soap full-time again in August. But now the BBC has confirmed that Michelle will be leaving, with reports that Zoe is set to meet a shocking end and be killed off, making her exit permanent.
Michelle originally appeared as Zoe from 2000 to 2005, before leaving for Hollywood after landing the lead role in the Bionic Woman remake. The Sun alleges that Michelle requested time off from the soap earlier this year before quitting EastEnders, with writers then deciding her character would face tragedy when written out.
BBC statement on Zoe Slater departure
A BBC spokesperson told Metro: 'We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future. However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.'
An insider has since revealed to Metro: 'Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.'
The actress is thought to have filmed her final scenes in Walford last month, with her departure set to play out over the coming months.
