We won’t kill off Mo, she may be back
BREAK FOR SOAP ICON
EASTENDERS legend Laila Morse is set to leave the soap, we can reveal.
The actress, 75, will bow out as Big Mo within weeks after bosses decided not to renew her contract.
A show source said: “Laila is leaving the show. Her current contract is coming to an end and execs agreed this was a good time to write her out.”
Laila’s exit is expected to be shown around late spring.
Producers are in discussions over how gobby Big Mo will be seen leaving Albert Square.
But it has already been agreed the character will not be killed off.
Our source added: “It hasn’t been decided how Big Mo will leave. But it is unlikely to be too explosive and she definitely won’t die.”
Show chiefs last night confirmed Laila will be leaving and said the door will be left open for a return.
A spokeswoman said: “Just like many occasions before, Big Mo will be departing Walford.
“She’ll no doubt be back in the not-too-distant future.”
An insider said: “Laila has had a few breaks over the years. Her character often comes and goes depending on the storylines.
“There is no set timescale in place for her to return. It’s very difficult for producers to plan ahead because of coronavirus. The current pandemic has made things very difficult. But there is hope Laila will one day be back.”
Laila has been a firm favourite with fans since joining the show as Big Mo in 2000.
The character is famed for being one of Albert Square’s funniest residents as part of the Slater
LEGEND: Big Mo will “definitely not die” when she departs Walford family. Her departure is the show’s latest big-name exit.
Last year June Brown quit as Dot Cotton after 35 years. Lacey Turner (Stacey Fowler) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) are also taking breaks.