Mobile UPI  |   About UPI  |   UPI en Español  |   UPI Arabic  |   UPIU  |   My Account
Search:
Go

'EastEnders' veteran to leave the BBC soap

|
|
 
  
Published: July 10, 2006 at 7:46 PM

LONDON, July 10 (UPI) -- Saying "nothing lasts forever," "EastEnders" star Wendy Richard announced Monday her departure from the BBC One drama she has anchored for nearly 22 years.

Richard, 59, who portrays Pauline Fowler, and Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, are the only two members of the cast who started with the show in 1985, the BBC reported.

"I've loved every minute of being part of this fantastic show, and will stay in touch with the many friends I've made," Richard said.

Her character will end her run in a dramatic Christmas storyline, she said.

"EastEnders" Executive Producer Kate Harwood said the character of Pauline "typified the grit and fight that embodies the 'EastEnders' spirit as she took on the world and battle through her many troubles."

The actress battled through troubles of her own as well. Richard was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, but was back on the "EastEnders" set within months, the BBC said.

Richard "occupies a huge place in people's hearts," the BBC's John Yorke said. The actress will be missed for "the sheer pride and love she showed for her character, her fictional family and, of course, the show".

© 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints
  
Join the conversation
Most Popular Collections
Protesters, police clash at NATO summit Notable deaths of 2012 2012 Billboard Music Awards
The 137th Preakness Stakes Annual Solar eclipse occurs in U.S. Chen Guangcheng arrives in the U.S.
Additional Entertainment News Stories
1 of 29
Members of the Army's Old Guard place flags at Arlington National Ceremtery
View Caption
U.S. flags are seen in the rucksack of a soldier with the Army's 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, as he places flags at gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery as part of the Flags-In Memorial Day ceremony on May 24, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. American flags were placed at each of the more than 220,000 grave markers in honor of those who served and Memorial Day. UPI/Kevin Dietshc
fark
Meanwhile in North Carolina... Witth bonus irony for the town name
Happy 75th birthday to the Golden Gate Bridge, the most beautiful bridge in the world
Photoshop this frog jumping coach
China criticizes the U.S. on its "dismal" human rights record, citing police brutality, arresting...
Hey, why don't we have a gardening thread? BRING ON THE ORGANIC TROLLS
What happens when a precious little snowflake get his JD and goes to work on Wall Street? He sues...