TEDDY Mitchell’s EastEnders exit has been revealed after star Roland Manookin was axed by bosses in a shock move.
The actor was a high profile signing just 18 months ago to lead a new branch of the Mitchell family but he’s now finished filming on the soap and in today’s episode his exit storyline was confirmed.
Viewers watched as Teddy was sentenced to life in prison after confessing to killing drug dealer Okie – despite son Harry actually being responsible for the crime.
The scenes today are not Teddy’s final scenes however and those will play out at a later date.
He arrived alongside on-screen sons Elijah Holloway and Lewis Bridgeman as Billy Mitchell’s secret half-brother.
However Roland – who is famous for roles in Brit films The Football Factory and Rise of the Footsoldier – has now become the latest star to leave the show after new boss Ben Wadey took control as executive producer earlier this year.
A source said: “Roland took a big risk agreeing to join EastEnders after his long and successful career in film.
“There was big hopes for the Mitchells being revitalised by the new family but things obviously changed for some reason and the material just wasn’t there for Teddy.
“Bosses made the decision that the character had run his course and that was that. It seems such a waste.”
An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed the news in a statement saying: “We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Actors Clair Norris, Matthew James Morrison and Micah Balfour were all also axed by bosses as the new executive producer tried to make his mark.
Bobby Brazier and Molly Rainford also left the show in what has been described as “mutual decisions after talks with bosses”.
Lacey Turner also decided to leave the show on an extended break with her return date unknown and unconfirmed.
While the big name comeback of Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater after 20 years has been hit with a backlash from fans.
