BBC EastEnders fans plead with bosses after character announces sudden exit

 

EastEnders viewers learned some abrupt exit news on the BBC soap on Tuesday, as a character announced a departure from Walford which had not previously been revealed.

Penny Branning stunned fans with her confession to cousin Lauren Branning that she was leaving Walford for France next week, months on from her return to Albert Square. Penny had lived there for years prior to her rejoining her dad Jack Branning in Walford.

Her return to the show after years away came with drama, as she was revealed to be a drugs mule working for a criminal, and she nearly got her own cousin Lauren sent to prison. In the latest episode of the BBC soap, Penny supported Lauren through some drama before dropping news of her departure.

She told Lauren she was heading back to France next week so wouldn’t be around. There was no more information given, including whether it was a permanent return to France or a break.

Penny did not give away if she was coming back and when that may be, or why she was going to France in the first place. It could be linked to her helping the police previously over the drug drama, or perhaps she is visiting her mother.

Some viewers were left pleading with the soap, hoping it wasn’t Penny leaving for good as others questioned her confession. Taking to X, one fan said: “Aww, I don’t want Penny to leave. I love her character,” as another said: “Penny going to France next week?”

A third fan commented: “Please tell me Penny isn’t leaving permanently, this is just a temporary break.” One viewer was a bit confused though, posting: “So Penny is going back to France next week, but surly if she was released on bail she wouldn’t be allowed to leave the country ? Or have I missed something?”

It comes amid her backing her cousin Lauren after drama in Walford. Lauren was exposed for sleeping with her best mate Whitney Dean’s fiancé Zack Hudson, weeks before their wedding and weeks before Whitney gave birth to their baby daughter. It led to violent scenes as Whitney slapped Lauren with her bouquet before grabbing her by the hair, and dragging her across the floor.

She then punched Zack in the face and had to be held back, before she fled the scene in tears. Whitney broke down as she got home over another failed wedding, and another betrayal by a partner.

Speaking with Zack, Whitney claimed she was better off without him and that to be a better mother, she had to end their relationship. Whitney dumped him leaving him devastated, as she vowed they were over for good.