THE ENDER Huge EastEnders star AXED after just 18 months – and he’s already filmed his final scenes
EASTENDERS star Roland Manookin has been axed by bosses in a shock move.
The actor – who played Teddy Mitchell in the BBC soap – was a high profile signing just 18 months ago to lead a new branch of the Mitchell family.
He arrived alongside on-screen sons Elijah Holloway and Lewis Bridgeman as Billy Mitchell’s secret half-brother.
However Roland – who is famous for roles in Brit films The Football Factory and Rise of the Footsoldier – has now become the latest star to leave the show after new boss Ben Wadey took control as executive producer earlier this year.
A source said: “Roland took a big risk agreeing to join EastEnders after his long and successful career in film.
“There was big hopes for the Mitchells being revitalised by the new family but things obviously changed for some reason and the material just wasn’t there for Teddy.
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“Bosses made the decision that the character had run his course and that was that. It seems such a waste.”
An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed the news in a statement saying: “We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Actors Clair Norris, Matthew James Morrison and Micah Balfour were all also axed by bosses as the new executive producer tried to make his mark.
Bobby Brazier and Molly Rainford also left the show in what has been described as “mutual decisions after talks with bosses”.
Lacey Turner also decided to leave the show on an extended break with her return date unknown and unconfirmed.
While the big name comeback of Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater after 20 years has been hit with a backlash from fans
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Viewers have criticised the show for “botching” her return – which was long-wanted by fans – with a “dud” storyline that included erasing her twin brother from existence despite it playing out on screen.
Instead it was revealed that Zoe herself had had twins during her time away from Walford with one seemingly dying during the labour.
Zoe has been trying to find her son since she returned to Walford after having a secret relationship with Max Branning.
She has also seen to be stalked with multiple characters in the frame – including returnee Anthony Trueman, Jean Slater and Sam Mitchell.
Meanwhile after the fan criticism the soap announced it would be airing a special flashforward episode on New Year’s Day, set entirely on New Year’s Day 2027 and featuring Max Branning.
The move follows Hollyoaks doing the exact same thing back on New Year’s Eve 2019.