Maggie Steed to depart EastEnders

Tabloid reports suggest that the actress is bowing out of Albert Square.

The Sun has revealed that Joyce Murray – played by Maggie Steed – will be found to have died in her sleep by her husband Ted in next week’s episodes.

Ted – actor Christopher Timothy – will reportedly be left heartbroken by his wife’s sudden demise. There has been no official word from the BBC soap as to the validity of the reports.

The Murrays arrived in Walford in May 2017 when they were relocated from a nearby high-rise that was earmarked for demolition. The dreary pair have come under fire from EastEnders fans who were quick to label them the ‘poor man’s Pam and Les’ – a reference to the popular oldies who were written out of the show prior to their arrival.

However, things could be on the up for Ted with Joyce’s death expected to afford him more storyline opportunities led by the arrival of their daughter, Judith played by Emma Fielding.

“Joyce’s time on the Square has been a brief one and, after her death, Ted will come out of his shell a bit and viewers will see more of him. His and Joyce’s daughter Judith will come into play and he will be involved in new storylines with the Taylor family,” a source told The Sun

Also set to depart the BBC One soap is Blue singer Lee Ryan as barman Woody.