Soap icon Wendy Richard has revealed she plans to mark her departure from EastEnders with the sound of wedding bells. The 63-year-old actress, whose final scenes as miserable matriarch Pauline Fowler will be shown on Christmas Day, has announced she'll exchange vows with long-term partner John Burns, 43, in the New Year.
After getting engaged four years ago in Florida with the blessing of John's daughter, 13-year-old Shannen, the pair have never got round to celebrating their big day. "We might have the time to tie the knot next year - but John says he won't marry me unless I smile for three consecutive days," jokes the much-loved small-screen performer.
Although they've found a location for the celebrations, the couple have yet to set the date. Asked to give details of when the nuptials will be John just smiles: "Give us a chance - we've only been going out for ten years."
Wendy's post-Walford life will also include a makeover after years of playing the square's frumpiest character. During her two-decade stint on the show TV bosses held complete sway over her appearance, banning any kind of beauty treatment which would have made her look overly glamorous. The actress recalls arguing for four days to be allowed a haircut. In the end scriptwriters gave Pauline a line in which she explained the change. "My Michelle made me have it done," said the launderette worker.
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