EastEnders fans will be sad to learn that Molly Rainford, the star behind Anna Knight, will be leaving Walford behind.
After a gripping two-year stint, which has seen her entangled in a host of dramatic plots, including reuniting with long-lost mum Cindy Beale and being involved in a terrifying spiking saga, the 24-year-old actress is taking her final bow.
A spokesperson told “We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.”
The departure is part of new boss Ben Wadey’s shake-up, which also sees Clair Norris and Matthew James Morrison step away from their roles as Bernie Taylor and Felix Baker, alongside Bobby Brazier who will bid farewell after portraying his character for three years.
In an exciting switch-up, Ben’s welcomed back fan-favourite, Zoe Slater, with Michelle Ryan reprising her role after two decades to deliver a jaw-dropping twist for soap fans.
A source disclosed to The Sun about Molly’s forthcoming exit: “New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. She’s hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.”, reports Belfast Live.
Further commenting on her journey, an insider revealed to the same publication: “Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines.
“It’s just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.”
Before landing the role on EastEnders, Molly showcased her talent on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 and again in 2017, paving her way to television fame. She captured hearts as Nova Jones on the popular CBBC series from 2021 to 2023.
Molly’s dazzling footwork shone through in the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where she twirled her way to the finals with dance expert Carlos Gu.
It was on the sparkling dance floors of Strictly that Molly connected with now-boyfriend Tyler West, one of the celeb contenders who partnered up with pro dancer Dianne Buswell but bowed out as the seventh contestant to leave the show.
