Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith updates fans on whether she’d return
"There's always a place to go back to."
Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith has revealed whether she would return to the BBC soap.
The Strictly Come Dancing finalist starred as Tiffany Butcher on the soap from 2008 to 2014, before making a return in 2016 and again in 2018 before her departure in 2021. Maisie was just six when she joined the cast.
During her time in Albert Square, the daughter of Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher was involved in several massive storylines, including her on-off relationship with Keegan Baker which saw her leave the show to live in Germany alongside him.
Ever since she left the soap, fans have wondered whether Maisie will ever reprise her role as the iconic character – and now she’s given them an answer.
Though the star said she has no immediate plans to return, she teased that it is always a possibility in the future.
Asked about starring in EastEnders in the future, she told OK! Magazine: “Not at the minute, no, but it’s one of those places, you just never know. There’s always a place to go back to, but not right now.”
Last year, she told the publication that you “never leave EastEnders“, adding: “I’ve got a family on there that will be there for the next 50 years. I’ll always have a place there.”
It comes as Patsy Palmer, who starred as Tiffany’s mother in the show, is set to return as her storyline behind with Whitney Dean and Zack Hudson visiting her in Milton Keynes following her off-screen breakup with long-term partner Terry Spraggan.
“I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca,” Patsy said. “EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart so it’s always a pleasure to be back.”
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m thrilled to welcome the fabulous Patsy back to the iconic role of Bianca Jackson.
“Although the character was last seen on-screen in 2019, Bianca still remains a fan favourite. We know our audiences will be thrilled at her return as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside step-daughter Whitney.”
EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
