MEG’S A DIANA ‘SUPERFAN’ Says pal Lizzie Cundy
TELLY legend Ian Lavender has left EastEnders, we can reveal.
The much-loved actor, 71, returned to the BBC soap last Christmas as Derek Harkinson.
His departure will disappoint millions of viewers who have loved seeing him back in Albert Square.
Ian hasn’t been seen on screen since the summer and a show insider last night confirmed he won’t return.
Our source said: “It has been decided Derek is no longer part of the show. Everyone loved working with Ian but the writers didn’t feel there was anything more they wanted to explore with his character.”
Ian’s first stint on EastEnders was between 2001 and 2005 when he worked closely with Wendy Richard, who played feisty Pauline Fowler.
Ian is best known for playing Private Pike on comedy classic Dad’s Army.
A TV insider said: “Ian is loved by millions and fans were thrilled when he was brought back by EastEnders producers last Christmas.
“A lot of people will be sad he’s not going to be appearing on the show anymore.”
No one was available for comment from the BBC on his departure. New boss John Yorke has focused less on long-time favourites since taking over earlier this year.
Fans have been commenting online that some characters, including Dot Cotton – played by June Brown – have not been seen in recent weeks.
This Christmas fans will see two major characters leaving the show.
Sisters Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) will bow out as part of a dramatic storyline.
MEGHAN Markle is a Princess Diana superfan and has loads of videos and books about her.
Prince Harry’s fiancée revealed she has long followed his family and particularly loved his late mum.
She spoke of her interest to socialite Lizzie Cundy, right, who has been pals with the actress since they met three years ago. Lizzie, ex-wife of former Chelsea player
Jason Cundy, told the
Daily Star Sunday: “Meghan has always loved the royals.
“She had videos and books of Princess Diana, so she was a big fan of Diana.
“She’s a big fan of England and the life here, that’s why it makes it perfect. “To know her is to love her and everyone is going to love her – we have another Princess Diana. “Nothing, I suppose, can prepare you for being a royal princess. “But knowing her personally, I think she’s going to cope better than anyone who has ever come into the royal family.” Lizzie first became pals with Suits actress Meghan at a charity dinner hosted by film star Eva Longoria.
Lizzie, 47, said: “To be honest I didn’t know about her show and I didn’t know Meghan.
“We got on very well and we made sure we sat together at dinner and had a real giggle.
“And the following night we were at the same event and made sure we sat together again.”
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, will marry on May 19 next year.
Lizzie went on: “Meghan’s been married before, so she knows what works and what doesn’t work.
“There’s always going to be people looking into her past, your family members, looking into what boyfriends you’ve had.
“Everyone’s got a past. That’s life. You’re always going to get critics. She’s been in the spotlight so she’s aware of that. You’re always going to be judged.
“But I think she’s going to handle it extremely well, I really do.”
Lizzie pointed to Meghan’s dress sense as an example of her independence.
She added: “She’s not scared to take chances. She’ll wear the stuff which she likes and not because she has to fit in and please certain types of people.
“I sometimes think with Princess Kate she wears clothes which are a bit, like, for older people. I like the fact Meghan wears clothes which are slightly edgier.”