Huge EastEnders twist as five major characters exit in mass exodus
Big changes in Walford as five characters said their goodbyes.
EastEnders spoilers follow for Friday’s (December 7) episode which is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) waved goodbye to Walford in the latest offering of the BBC One soap, but she wasn’t alone as almost all of her family decided to go with her.
The popular character, as viewers know, found herself public enemy number one earlier this week when she took the blame for Albie’s kidnap, a scheme orchestrated by son Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).
Keanu let his mum take the fall, much to the horror of Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths), who encouraged Karen to let her beloved boy own up to his mistakes.
Karen, however, refused, believing that Keanu can still make something of his life. But with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) on the warpath and her fellow neighbours branding her ‘filth’ and ‘scum’, she felt she had no choice but to leave Walford.
Mitch and Bernie (Clair Norris) attempted to talk her out of it, pleading with her to stay, but Karen’s mind was made up.
Bernie, however, refused to leave with her, stating that she’s found her place and made a life for herself in Walford, which left Karen in tears as she came to realise that she would have to go on this adventure with no support.
Mitch, meanwhile, sat down in the Vic for a pint with Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), who both inadvertently reminded him of his love for Karen and, in heartfelt scenes, the cab driver raced back home, where he declared his true feelings for his beloved Kaz.
Karen reciprocated, with the pair sharing a kiss, much to the delight of Bailey (Kara-Leah Fernandes), who spoke for all of us when she said it was ‘about time’.
Bailey, Mack (Isaac Lemonius) and Mia (Mahalia Malcolm) subsequently boarded Mitch’s signature van, while Karen and Bernie went to retrieve the tree from the Square gardens, which was planted in memory of Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer).
‘I’m not leaving without Chantelle!’, screeched Karen, as Mitch assisted her in removing the tree from the soil.
Keanu, meanwhile, was horrified to realise that Karen was intending on doing a bunk with Phil’s cash in hand and therefore he raced after the van, while an irate Phil yelled at the top of his lungs at the departing family, telling them that this isn’t over.
But for Karen, Mitch, Bailey, Mia and Mack, their time in Walford is at an end, as the clan drove out of Walford to the sound of Julia’s Theme which, as EastEnders fans know too well, signifies the end of an era.
Karen and Mitch discussed their future as they plotted to go to Spain, driving out of the Square for the very last time.
It was confirmed earlier this year that Karen would be written out of EastEnders. Mitch, Bailey, Mia and Mack’s exits, however, will likely come as a shock to viewers, with their departures having been kept under wraps until now.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One. Stream episodes first from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
