Christmas TWIST in EastEnders as THIS character makes a shock exit from the Square?

A new twist in Keanu Taylor's exit has been revealed...

It looks like Keanu Taylor's exit from EastEnders has been revealed as new pictures have emerged of him fleeing the country later this year.

The new twist in the 'Sheanu' affair storyline is likely to play out at Christmas, when the news of Sharon and Keanu's steamy affair is revealed, leaving Phil Mitchell on the warpath.

EastEnders Keanu Taylor and Sharon Mitchell — The truth about Sharon and Keanu's affair will be revealed at Christmas (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Jack Barnes)

EastEnders fans have already seen Lisa Fowler tell Phil that the baby Sharon is carrying isn't his. But while he is wondering whether to believe her or not, the wait for him to discover the truth will soon be over.

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Back in September EastEnders boss Kate Oates told press: "Sheanu is going to blow up. I think it is safe to say that's going to be pretty big at Christmas time."

And we definitely wouldn't like to be in Keanu's shoes when Phil finds out that the mechanic is the father of not only Louise's baby, but also Sharon's.

The on-location pictures show Keanu at the airport with mum Karen Taylor, and it looks like the pair are saying an emotional good bye.

EastEnders Karen Taylor and Keanu Taylor — Karen and Keanu are set to say a sad farewell next month (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Jack Barnes)

Keanu clearly doesn't want to be recognised as he is wearing the trademark soap disguise - a baseball cap - and after bidding farewell to his mum, he heads off to catch his plane.

The scenes were filmed recently at Stansted Airport, and with actor Danny Walters, who plays Keanu, leaving the soap, it seems this could be his perfect exit.

But where could he be going that is far enough away from Phil that he will never be found?

It was also revealed in the press recently that Keanu would be caught up in a shock shooting that involved Martin Fowler.

EastEnders Karen is left devastated by Keanu’s news — Karen will be heartbroken when Keanu leaves the Square this Christmas (Picture: BBC)

More on-location pictures show Martin holding Linda Carter hostage, while waving a gun around. Keanu was also seen taking part in the drama... and people assumed he could be dead after a gun shot rings out.

But with Danny spotted filming these scenes which could be Keanu's exit, it seems someone else might be the one who ends up dead. Or is it all a scam, and Keanu fakes his own death?

With only a month until Christmas, we don't have long to wait before the pieces of the puzzle are finally put together.

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.