Lorraine Stanley left her role as Karen Taylor in EastEnders in 2024, and she has now revealed why she has no plans to go back.
Karen first hit our screens in 2017 as the matriarch of the rowdy Taylor family.
During her time in Albert Square, she was involved in some huge storylines, including the tragic death of daughter Chantelle and the kidnapping of Albie Watts.
After seven years on our screens, Karen fled to Spain after stealing ransom money from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
However, she returned briefly following the murder of Keanu Taylor, determined to get to the bottom of his disappearance.
When Karen was in Walford for Keanu’s funeral, she was under the impression Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) had killed him.
After the event, Karen expressed her suspicions over Dean and couldn’t help point out that they barely knew each other while in Walford – so what pushed him to murder?
With that, Karen headed to the prison. She was seeking some sort of closure from Dean, but he then said she should ask Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) why she’s been lying.
Karen confronted Keanu’s actual killer Linda in the end, but concluded she had made this accusation as a result of her overwhelming grief and emotion.
That afternoon, Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) spoke to her mum about the possibility of her staying in Albert Square, but concluded it would be better for her mental health if she continued living abroad, where she isn’t constant reminded of her losses.
With Keanu’s ashes by her side, it seemed Karen had gained enough closure on the matter after all.
Following the dramatic story, star Lorraine has ruled out a return to EastEnders for now, and she has a valid reason.
‘They didn’t kill me off,’ she pointed out to The Mirror. ‘But right now, I wouldn’t. I’m enjoying [my daughter] Nancy.
‘On EastEnders, I missed a lot of milestones. Now I’m like her personal taxi driver for skateboarding, piano lessons – and I love it.’
She hasn’t entirely put her career on hold though, as she revealed that she is happy with how things are at the moment.
‘I’ve gone for a few auditions. I haven’t got anything yet, but I will. And if I don’t, I don’t mind that either. I’m so happy being a mum.’
Ruling out an appearance on reality TV, Lorraine also shared her passion for theatre, revealing one career goal she’d love to achieve.
‘I love acting, theatre especially, so I want to try and keep on that path.
‘I’d love a role at the National Theatre. That’s where I started my career, so it would be a nice full-circle moment.’
