EastEnders star Diane Parish reunites with ‘magnificent’ co-star months after ‘unexpected’ exit
EastEnders star Diane Parish has reunited with her ‘magnificent’ co-star just months after his ‘unexpected’ exit from the programme.
There’s been a number of huge exits on the BBC soap to date this year amid new Executive Producer Ben Wadey taking over.
Prior to Ben replacing Chris Clenshaw on the programme, James Bye’s Martin Fowler and Jonny Freeman’s Reiss Colwell both died in the show’s 40th anniversary week.
The next big exits arrived in April as Natalie Cassidy departed the soap after three decades of playing Sonia Fowler on and off.
Natalie’s exit saw her joined by her onscreen sister Patsy Palmer as Sonia and Bianca Jackson departed Walford for Bali after the former’s dad Terry Cant proved to be evil.
During the early days of Ben’s stint in charge, viewers were stunned to see Bernie Taylor, played by Clair Norris, and Matthew James Morrison’s Felix Baker, leave in dramatic fashion.
After being caught stealing from the Panesar family by Ravi Gulati, Bernie begged Felix to join her in fleeing their home.
Initially reluctant to do so, Felix decided to have a fresh start after realising his love interest Johnny Carter was having an affair with Callum Highway.
The son of Avery and Celia Baker and the half-brother of Finlay arrived in the summer of 2022, quickly becoming a favourite among fans of the programme.
Fans praised Felix for being a strong representation for the LGBTQIA+, with the character often appearing in drag as their alter-ego Tara Misu.
Denise Fox actress Diane Parish took to Instagram on Monday afternoon (October 20) to reveal that she and Kim Fox actress Tameka Empson went to see Matthew in his latest project.
Sharing a selfie of them together, Diane said: “Went to see my amazing friend @matthew_james_morrison in Blue Orange at the Greenwich Theatre last night. He was nothing short of magnificent.
“Truly. As were the brilliant John Michie and Rhiane Barreto.Saw this play 25 years ago and still and maybe more, painfully relevant today. ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT. Go and see it.”
Meanwhile, the next star reportedly leaving EastEnders in the coming weeks is Max Murray, who plays troubled teenager Joel Marshall.
A source for the programme, told Metro: “Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year. There’s still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
“Following his spellbinding performance, there’s no doubt that producers will be keen to snap him up – and Max is already on the lookout for his next role.”