Post by Manoj on Jul 19, 2006 17:09:15 GMT 1
EastEnders - Wendy Richard Quits
Actress Wendy Richard is to leave EastEnders after almost 22 years playing Pauline Fowler in the BBC soap.
She is one of just two cast members who have been in the soap since it started in 1985. The other is Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale.
She will depart in a dramatic storyline at Christmas and said she had "loved every minute" of her time on the show.
Her spokesman added there had been "no arguments or quarrels" and she simply felt it was time to move on.
Richard said when she was first approached about the role, she "never would have thought that 22 years later, I would still be playing her".
EastEnders executive producer Kate Harwood said: "For many years Wendy simply was EastEnders for the audience and Pauline's indomitable nature typified the grit and fight that embodies the EastEnders spirit as she took on the world and battled through her many troubles. We thank her for everything she has done for the show and wish her well."
John Yorke, the BBC's controller of continuing drama, said: "Wendy has been at the centre of EastEnders for 21 years, and consequently occupies a huge place in people's hearts. To be a star in one show is an achievement that can sometimes be down to luck; to be a star in two separate shows - at two different times of life - denotes a level of skill and expertise that is easy to underestimate."
Actress Wendy Richard is to leave EastEnders after almost 22 years playing Pauline Fowler in the BBC soap.
She is one of just two cast members who have been in the soap since it started in 1985. The other is Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale.
She will depart in a dramatic storyline at Christmas and said she had "loved every minute" of her time on the show.
Her spokesman added there had been "no arguments or quarrels" and she simply felt it was time to move on.
Richard said when she was first approached about the role, she "never would have thought that 22 years later, I would still be playing her".
EastEnders executive producer Kate Harwood said: "For many years Wendy simply was EastEnders for the audience and Pauline's indomitable nature typified the grit and fight that embodies the EastEnders spirit as she took on the world and battled through her many troubles. We thank her for everything she has done for the show and wish her well."
John Yorke, the BBC's controller of continuing drama, said: "Wendy has been at the centre of EastEnders for 21 years, and consequently occupies a huge place in people's hearts. To be a star in one show is an achievement that can sometimes be down to luck; to be a star in two separate shows - at two different times of life - denotes a level of skill and expertise that is easy to underestimate."