Wendy Richard quits EastEnders

Wendy Richard has quit EastEnders after nearly 22 years in the role of Pauline Fowler.

The actress has been a part of the BBC One soap’s cast since day one; appearing in EastEnders‘ first episode in February 1985 and almost 2000 more since. Her decision to depart leaves Adam Woodyatt as the sole original cast member.  

“When Julia Smith, the very first executive producer of EastEnders, first approached my agent to invite me to play the part of Pauline Fowler I never would have thought that 22 years later I would still be playing her.

 

“But nothing lasts forever. I’ve loved every minute of being part of this fantastic show, and will stay in touch with the many friends I’ve made.” – Wendy Richasrd

BBC News say that Pauline will depart the Square over the festive period in a ‘dramatic storyline’ while a spokesman for the actress has stated that she is leaving on good terms with the production.

“There have been no arguments or quarrels. Wendy just felt it was time to move on. She resigned at the end of last year but agreed to stay on for the Christmas storyline. She got to the point where she thought, ‘How much further can I go with this role?” – Spokesman for Wendy Richard

Pauline discovered she was pregnant in EastEnders’ first episode incurring the wrath of disapproving mum Lou. She went on to give birth to son Martin aged 41. 

The character’s storylines have since included coping with husband Arthur’s breakdown and death, discovering that Dirty Den had impregnated her daughter and, in another family bombshell, finding out that her son Mark was HIV positive.

The character is typically noted for her sour demeanour, although Pauline was prone to laughing in the early years of the programme. She would back her family to the hilt and has worked for many years alongside Dot Cotton at the Bridge Street launderette.

“For many years, Wendy simply was EastEnders for the audience. Pauline’s indomitable nature typified the grit and fight that embodies the EastEnders spirit as she took on the world and battle through her many troubles.” – Kate Harwood, EastEnders Executive Producer

The beeb’s controller of continuing drama John Yorke added that Richard “occupies a huge place in people’s hearts”. However, the actress almost wasn’t part of the soap’s starting line-up after producer Julia Smith had reservations over casting a well-known face; Wendy had previously starred for some years in the popular BBC1 department store sitcom Are You Being Served?. Wendy took time out of EastEnders in 1996 and 2002 when battling breast cancer.