Jasmyn Banks to leave EastEnders

EastEnders actress Jasmyn Banks is leaving the BBC One soap in which she plays Alice Branning.

The Daily Star Sunday suggests that the soap’s bosses have taken the decision to axe the character following the departure of Steve John Shepherd, who plays Michael Moon.

The character of Alice is expected to feature prominently in Michael’s forthcoming exit storyline.

Last weekend pictures were released of Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie – who play Kat and Alfie Moon – and Charlie Brooks who plays Janine filming Michael’s funeral.

It is believed Michael will see another side to Alice after he enlists her help in getting his daughter Scarlett back from estranged wife Janine.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: “When Steve announced he was leaving it paved the way for Jasmyn to go too.

“When it [Michael and Alice] all starts up again we are going to see a completely different side to Alice. She will finally realise Michael has been using her and no one would ever be able to predict her reaction.”

Banks made her first appearance as Alice in May 2012, the character came to Walford to track down her estranged father Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman).

EastEnders, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One.