Walford will never be the same again. Over the years the residents of Albert Square have seen innumerable colourful characters come and go, but the EastEnders crew are now set to lose one of their longest-serving stalwarts after veteran actress Wendy Richard announced she was quitting the show.
The 63-year-old is best known to soap fans as laundrette worker Pauline, the long-suffering matriarch of the Fowler clan. Along with Adam Woodyatt, who plays her onscreen nephew Ian Beale, she is one of only two cast members who still remain from the soap's first broadcast over two decades ago.
"When Julia Smith, the very first executive producer of EastEnders, first approached my agent to invite me to play the part of Pauline I never would have though that 22 years later I'd still be playing her," revealed the actress. "However nothing lasts forever - I've loved every minute of being part of this fantastic show."
But despite the actress' love of the series, her downtrodden character has rarely been given much to smile about. And in keeping with the soap's penchant for festive tragedies, studio insiders say Pauline will meet a sticky end next Christmas.
There are a few months to go before she follows in the footsteps of Dirty Den, though, and BBC bosses are happy to have her around for as long as possible. "Wendy occupies a huge place in people's hearts," said drama chief John Yorke. "She is a consummate professional who has proved herself again and again."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
