EastEnders fans stunned as MAIN character makes an unexpected exit

The Albert Square sign on the set of EastEnders
EastEnders watchers were devastated by the shock exit of a main character. (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders viewers were stunned by the unexpected departure of Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) during Thursday’s (June, 23) episode just one year after returning to the Square.

During the EastEnders episode, Nancy waved goodbye to Walford after finding out that her boyfriend Zack Hudson (James Farrar) cheated on her with Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf).

She considered forgiving him but realised that their relationship would never be the same and decided to move to Manchester.

On top of that, Nancy couldn’t cope with her mum, Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) alcoholism, and realised that she couldn’t help or trust her any longer.

Nancy even contemplated taking her baby sister Annie with her due to Linda’s condition but she decided to leave Annie in Walford after Linda sobbed and refused to let her.

Nancy is shocked when she discovers Zack cheated on her

Nancy was devastated to learn that Zack had cheated on her. (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Nancy tearfully left the Square in the back of a taxi after saying goodbye to her family, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and Frankie Lewis (Rose Ayling-Ellis).

Talking to Digital Spy, the actress Maddy revealed: "It's been great revisiting Nancy and the Square over the past year but it felt like the right time to move on for now. I already miss everyone and feel so grateful to work with people I have so much love for."

A BBC spokesperson added: "We wish Maddy all the very best for the future.”

Nancy first appeared on the Square in 2014 and left in 2016 with her then-boyfriend Tamwar Masood (Himesh Patel) to travel the world.

Nancy Carter looks after mum Linda Carter

Nancy struggled to cope with Linda's alcoholism. (Image credit: BBC)

The pair later got married in Australia and moved to New Zealand, but she returned to the Square last year, where it was revealed that Nancy and Tamwar were getting divorced.

Fans were gutted by her shock exit on Thursday and wished Maddy the best of luck in the future away from our screens...

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EastEnders continues tonight at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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.