Entertainment

Maisie Smith has filmed final scenes on EastEnders

The actress said she is ‘very excited’ for her next challenge.
The actress said she is ‘very excited’ for her next challenge. The actress said she is ‘very excited’ for her next challenge.

Maisie Smith has filmed her final scenes for EastEnders, the BBC has announced.

The actress, 20, who plays Tiffany Butcher, joined the programme in 2008 at the age of six.

Her character will leave Walford towards the end of the year, according to a statement.

British Soap Awards 2018 – London
British Soap Awards 2018 – London Maisie Smith (Matt Crossick/PA)

Tiffany will have a dramatic final few months, with the breakdown of her relationship with husband Keegan and the return of her brother Liam.

She filmed her final scenes for the soap on Friday.

Smith said: “It’s time to say farewell to Tiff!

“I’ve grown up on EastEnders since 2008 and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years.

“I’m very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a six-year-old.”

Smith’s character, who is the daughter of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen), left the programme in 2014 before reprising her role in the soap in 2017.

EastEnders
EastEnders Maisie Smith (Jack Barnes/BBC)

Jon Sen, executive producer of EastEnders, said: “We are all very sad to see Maisie leave.

“She’s been a wonderful company member during her time at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to see her blossom into the star she is.

“She has created an iconic character in Tiff and the door is always open to her return.

“We wish her all the very best for her future projects.”

Last year Smith starred in Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the final with her partner Gorka Marquez.