EastEnders fans call for a Rainie and Stuart spin-off after their emotional exit

Rainie and Stuart Highway in EastEnders
EastEnders fans want a Rainie and Stuart Highway spin-off show! (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders viewers want a Rainie (Tanya Franks) and Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) spin-off after their bittersweet exit during last night’s episode (Thursday, August 25).

Since arriving in EastEnders in 2018, Stuart’s life in Walford has been nothing short of emotional, with being diagnosed with breast cancer, suffering from postnatal depression and his wife, Rainie leaving the Square with their baby Roland.

Stuart’s mental health spiralled recently and he held a doctor’s surgery hostage, but he was happy to see Rainie make a dramatic return to help him.

The couple rekindled their relationship and Rainie was determined to support Stuart through his postnatal depression.

During last night’s episode, the couple agreed to have a fresh start after Stuart reassessed his future and all of the setbacks that were holding him back in the Square.

Before leaving, Stuart tried to make amends with the people who he had hurt due to his recent behaviour.

Rainie and Stuart Highway hug

Rainie and Stuart decided to leave the drama of Walford behind and start afresh. (Image credit: BBC)

However, it backfired when a furious Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) shouted at him for giving the drugs he had bought to Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith) to stop him from taking them, which eventually got Jack’s daughter, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) hospitalised after she took them.

Despite Jack telling Rainie to leave him, Rainie still wanted them to have a new life away together from Walford and stole a hearse in revenge for Stuart being fired from his job at the funeral parlour.

Rainie and Stuart Highway laughing as Rainie drives a stolen hearse

Rainie and Stuart left the Square in a stolen hearse! (Image credit: BBC)

After packing their belongings in the back, Stuart said an emotional farewell to his brother, Callum (Tony Clay) and nan Vi (Gwen Taylor) as well as the Taylor family.

The pair drove off in the stolen hearse, excited for their future ahead and finally getting their happily ever after.

Now that the soap couple have left the Square for good, fans are desperate for a spin-off show to see how they get on with their new life in North London…

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EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.