EastEnders bosses are reportedly fearful of a mass walk out from several of the cast following the destruction the coronavirus pandemic has done to the soap.
It comes as the BBC stars of the soap have allegedly been hit with “extended breaks and pay loss” amid Covid-19 as its shaken up the way the soap can be filmed due to social-distancing.
The Sunday Mirror has claimed that several of the actors and actresses will take story breaks over the coming weeks as a knock on effect from the ongoing virus.
According to the publication “social distancing means that fewer people can be on set at one time”.
According to a source, a number of EastEnders stars are considering leaving (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
A source told the publication: “Cast were called by producers over the past few weeks and told that, going forward, they would be operating a period of extended breaks for some.
“It could see up to a third of the cast off at any one time on a loose rotation system.
“Actors will not be paid when they are off and they’re not happy. Some are considering quitting.”
It wasn’t revealed what stars are thinking of leaving the popular soap.
Jake Wood is leaving the show for now (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Just days ago it was announced that Jake Wood, who has played Max Branning for 15 years, would be leaving Albert Square.
Thankfully, the 48-year-old actor has only been written out for now and not killed off so it means the door is wide open for him to return at any point.
A show insider also told Daily Star Online yesterday that Lacey Turner, who plays fans’ favourite Stacey Fowler, will have an extended period off later this year.
Chantelle Atkins was tragically killed by her evil husband Gray recently (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
A show insider said: “Lacey will be taking a break. The top bosses agreed to give her some time off from the show.”
Producers are now deciding how they will write Lacey out of the soap – and are said to be considering an explosive exit.
Our insider added: “This is a great opportunity for the writers to come up with something big for Lacey to get her teeth into.
“She has always been a big hit with fans. There is no doubt they will really miss her while she’s off screen.”
EastEnders viewers were left in tears on Friday night after Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plumber) was murdered by her husband Gray (Toby-Alexander Smith) after years of domestic abuse.
Jessica, 28, told fans her “heart was bleeding” after watching her final scenes play out last week.
EastEnders continues on BBC One on Monday at 8.05pm
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
