EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes.
The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer.
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But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities.
A source said: βNew boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges.
βSheβs hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.β
TheΒ BBCΒ have confirmed Mollyβs exit saying: βWe can confirm thatΒ Molly RainfordΒ will be leavingΒ EastEndersΒ later this year, and we wish her all the best for theΒ future.β
An insider added: βMolly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines.
βItβs 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.β
Molly found fame aged 11 on Britainβs Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC.
In 2022 she was the runner up onΒ Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameramanΒ Hamza Yassin.
Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadeyβs new tenure.
Bernie Taylor starΒ Clair NorrisΒ isΒ also leaving after being given the news earlier this year.
Huge EastEnders star to QUIT soap after four years ‘to look for other opportunities’
And her on-screen cousin,Β MatthewΒ James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leaveΒ alongside herΒ nextΒ month.
Bobby BrazierΒ has also mutuallyΒ decided to leave the showΒ as Freddie Slater after three years.