Groundbreaking EastEnders star exits soap after three years as new boss takes over
Bosses decided to write the character out three years after much fanfare about his joining
Carl Greenwood,
EASTENDERS star Matthew James Morrison is leaving the soap after three years.
The actor - who plays Felix Baker in the BBC soap - will film his final scenes soon after bosses made the decision to write out his character.
Matthew Morrison at the Rainbow Honours 2024.
3
EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison is to leave the soapCredit: Getty
Matthew Morrison as Felix Baker, EastEnders' first drag queen.
3
The actor plays Felix Baker, aka Tara Misu on the showCredit: PA
Chelsea Fox, Felix Baker, Whitney Dean, and Zack Hudson in a scene from EastEnders.
3
Matthew joined the soap three years agoCredit: BBC
A source said: “It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave.
“Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix.”
A BBC spokeswoman confirmed Matthew’s exit, telling The Sun: “We can confirm that Matthew will be leaving EastEnders later in the year.
“We wish him all the best for the future.”
Read more on EastEnders
read all about it EastEnders star signs book deal after revealing money struggles since axe
'WOKE JOKE' Enders legend slams woke trigger warnings saying they risk ruining top TV shows
The star made his debut in 2019 as part of the Baker family - cousins of the Taylors.
He arrived with dad Avery and brother Finlay, but Avery died just weeks after arriving in Walford, and Finlay was axed after a year.
Felix was the soap’s first ever drag queen character with his act Tara Misu.
He arrived with much fanfare in 2022 with Mathew saying at the time: “I am blessed to have the opportunity to step into the heels of the fierce Tara Misu as part of my role on EastEnders.
Most read in Soaps
Tracy Barlow kicked out after horrifying revenge on Cassie in Corrie
troublesome tracyTracy Barlow kicked out after horrifying revenge on Cassie in Corrie
Manpreet Sharma discovers the identity of her blackmailer in Emmerdale
TWISTED THREATSManpreet Sharma discovers the identity of her blackmailer in Emmerdale
Natalie Cassidy brands EastEnders a ‘burden’ & insists she ‘doesn’t miss’ it
cass awayNatalie Cassidy brands EastEnders a ‘burden’ & insists she ‘doesn’t miss’ it
Emmerdale fans 'figure out' who is blackmailing Manpreet Sharma
soap sleuthsEmmerdale fans 'figure out' who is blackmailing Manpreet Sharma
“It’s a privilege to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and to showcase the creative art of drag to both viewers at home and the residents of Walford.”
The character later became a barman at The Albert and took more of a backseat role.
Coronation Street filming exciting chase scene in Manchester
EastEnders legend quits Walford in emotional scenes - but hints at shock return
Fans had criticised the soap for not making use of the character and not giving him a significant storyline.
In one memorable scene Felix as Tara became one of the few characters in EastEnders history to see off a raging Phil Mitchell.
EastEnders needs to do better with its newcomers
The Sun's Soaps Editor Carl Greenwood reveals why Felix never got a chance to shineWHEN Felix was first announced to be EastEnders first ever drag queen character - there was genuine excitement.And then nothing happened. Within weeks his dad was dead and the brothers were forced into relative poverty.And then more nothing happened. Why?While Chris Clenshaw’s tenure did wonders for the show as a whole as well as revitalising some characters - Phil Mitchell being a standout example - others suffered.Short of a few barbed comments, Felix and Tara were woefully underused.A drag queen character should have soared in Walford - especially around the likes of Kat Slater, Sharon Watts and Elaine Peacock.Instead, he disappeared completely. Matthew was never given a chance to show off his talents and Tara was nothing more than a headline attached to a character.If you’re going to make a big deal about introducing characters then you need to at least give them something to do - otherwise what’s the point?
The BBC soap also said farewell to boss Chris Clenshaw this week as he bowed out after three years having seen the soap revitalised for its 40th anniversary.
Former Channel 4 commissioning executive Ben Wadey is taking over as executive producer.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings