EastEnders star Laila Morse to exit as Big Mo

EASTENDERS star Laila Morse is to leave the soap after more than 20 years – but she is expected to return.

The actress, 75, has played market dealer Big Mo since 2000 and it’s now been reported that she will be leaving the show.

The Daily Star claims the actress will bow out in the Spring with writers working to craft an exit for the iconic character.

However HOAR understands that actress Laila will be just taking a break.

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “Just like many occasions before, Big Mo will be departing Walford but as always she’ll no doubt be back in the not too distant future”.

She has played Big Mo since 2000 and reports suggested she was leaving the show for good

The Star had claimed the exit would be final with a source telling the publication: “Laila is leaving the show.

“Her current contract is coming to an end and execs agreed this was a good time to write her out.

“It also claims that bosses had ruled out killing off the matriarch of the Slater family.

But it turns out the legendary actress is only taking a brief break from Walford

The source added: “It hasn’t been decided how Big Mo will leave.“But it is unlikely to be too explosive and she definitely won’t die.”

Actress Laila has taken many breaks over the years so another isn’t unusual.

She last returned in March 2018 after years of sporadic appearances.

Mo’s comeback saw granddaughter Kat make a return too.