EastEnders fans have been left speculating about the future of the long-running BBC soap 

following a string of departures from Albert Square. The latest actor to announce their exit is Matthew James Morrison, who has played Felix Baker for the past three years. His decision to leave makes him the sixth cast member to step away from the show in 2024, sparking 

concern among viewers who fear the soap is losing some of its most beloved characters and actors.

Felix Baker, introduced as EastEnders’ first-ever drag queen with his alter ego Tara Misu, arrived in Walford to much fanfare. Morrison expressed his excitement at the time, stating: “I am blessed to have the opportunity to step into the heels of the fierce Tara Misu as part of my role on EastEnders.” However, despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding the character, fans soon became frustrated with his lack of significant storylines. Over time, Felix took a backseat, working as a barman at The Albert and rarely being featured in key plots. Now, his departure has reignited discussions about the soap’s direction and its ability to retain compelling characters.

The ongoing exodus of actors has some fans worried about the state of the show, particularly given its impressive history spanning four decades. While EastEnders still pulls in an average of 3.5 million viewers per episode on BBC One, many viewers question whether it can maintain its success. This concern is especially heightened given the BBC’s recent £87 million investment in a new outdoor set for the soap. Some fans believe these departures could jeopardize the future of the show, especially if it continues to “lose its best actors.”

Social media has been abuzz with discussions about the recent cast exits. One frustrated fan commented: “They are losing all their best actors. It won’t be worth watching shortly.” Another added: “Why are they getting rid of the good actors? I still can’t believe they got rid of Martin.” Others have expressed concern about the increasing number of character deaths on the show, with one Facebook user writing: “EastEnders is doing my head in getting rid of all the best actors and killing them off. I won’t watch it when they are gone.” Another viewer questioned the frequent on-screen deaths, asking: “What is it with EastEnders wanting to keep killing people off?”

Felix Baker’s departure comes just weeks after another major announcement—Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Fowler for nearly 32 years, revealed she would be leaving the show for good. The 41-year-old actress made the emotional announcement in January, stating: “I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones, so I will never forget where I started my career, and I will continue to love the show.” Cassidy also expressed gratitude for being a part of the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations and reassured fans that Sonia will “never be forgotten.”

In addition to Morrison and Cassidy, Patsy Palmer, who plays Bianca Jackson, is also set to leave Albert Square in 2024. Her return was initially met with excitement, but it has now become another in a long line of farewells. Meanwhile, James Bye’s departure as Martin Fowler has been one of the most shocking exits of the year. His character met a tragic fate in the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode after being crushed by a metal beam. Viewers watched in horror as paramedics fought to save Martin’s life, but ultimately, he didn’t survive. This death marked the end of another legacy character and has left fans reeling.

Many viewers have expressed their frustration about the show’s direction and the increasing number of character departures. “Is there a valid reason why she has quit?” asked one fan regarding Natalie Cassidy’s exit. “It just seems like all the original legends are disappearing one by one. Also, Dot’s house was like a shrine of remembrance, so what’s going to happen to Dot’s house now that Sonia has quit? Is she going to be forgotten about as well?” Another EastEnders Facebook fan page member wrote: “Really! How many other people are they going to get rid of? It’s getting silly now!”

Following James Bye’s departure, fans have continued to speculate about the reasons behind the cast exodus. One viewer wrote: “He is leaving. Apparently, loads of the cast are jumping ship for some reason.” Meanwhile, others have criticized the show’s storytelling, with one fan stating: “Wish the BBC would just kill EastEnders. Plot lines are totally unrealistic for a neighborhood like the Square. Endless affairs, sexual abuse, murder, gangsters—and the BBC’s writers all seem to think this is appealing and good?!!”

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the show, EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw recently stepped down after three years at the helm. Clenshaw played a key role in steering the soap through its 40th-anniversary celebrations, but his departure raises questions about the future creative direction of the series. His replacement, Ben Wadey, a former Channel 4 commissioning executive, will now take over the responsibility of guiding EastEnders through its next chapter. Having previously worked on Hollyoaks, Wadey brings experience in soap storytelling, but fans remain uncertain about what his leadership will mean for the show’s long-term future.

Despite concerns over declining viewership compared to its heyday, BBC representatives have defended the soap’s current numbers. In 2023, an EastEnders spokesperson addressed worries about audience decline, stating: “EastEnders episodes are made live to the audience at 6 am every morning on BBC iPlayer, giving the audience the choice to watch when and where they choose. So when episodes are moved to a different day, or channel, due to a live sporting event, it is no surprise that this is reflected in the regular overnight audience.” The spokesperson also highlighted that “Over the last two weeks, EastEnders has been streamed almost 18 million times on BBC iPlayer and remains one of iPlayer’s most popular programmes.”

Whether these explanations will ease viewer concerns remains to be seen, but as more cast members depart and new leadership takes over, EastEnders is undoubtedly facing a period of significant change. The coming months will determine whether the show can retain its loyal audience or if further cast exits will continue to impact its standing as one of Britain’s most iconic soaps.

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