EastEnders shock as Belinda Slater QUITS Albert Square after less than a year
EASTENDERS fans had a surprise tonight when Belinda Slater, played by Carli Norris, left Albert Square.
Eastenders: Belinda has a meltdown in front of Stacey
The resident, who only returned to Walford back in January after previously being played by Leanne Lakey, had a breakdown on her birthday and departed for good.
“It’s my 41st birthday, I’m about to lose my business, I’m living in shared accommodation with a family who’d kick me out in seconds if they didn’t need the money big time,” she raged at family member Stacey.
“I’m waiting for Masood to respond to a text, because apparently, inviting him out for lunch was far too ambitious a proposition.”
She then got in touch with her old friend Maggie, with whom she used to have a pact to run away.
EastEnders: Belinda Slater has left Albert Square
The character seemingly came to the end of her time on the Square
She phoned a pal and then drove off forever
Goodbye Belinda… she was such a brilliant & hilarious character
“I called Maggie and it was just like old times and she said, ‘You know what, just let’s do it’,” she later told Stacey.
“We’re going to drive to Italy and keep going. I’ve got 500 quid to my name, it’s [ridiculous].”
A post on the EastEnders Twitter feed confirmed that her exit was permanent, leaving fans disappointed.
“Goodbye Belinda… she was such a brilliant & hilarious character @carlinorris is a phenomenal actress #EastEnders,” said one on Twitter.
The character only arrived in Walford back in January
Another wrote: “Shame Carli Norris (Belinda) has left #Eastenders - she's been one of the best characters over the past months.”
“Really going to miss Belinda in #eastenders @carlinorris never stays long in any soap and she's such a great actress,” wept a third.
EastEnders returns Monday at 8pm on BBC One.