Maisie Smith is reportedly planning to quit EastEnders when her current contract expires in October.
The 19-year-old, who has played the part of Tiffany Butcher since 2008, has seen her public profile rise over the last year following a successful stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
According to the Daily Mail, Smith has ambitions of making a name for herself in Hollywood and is "increasingly unlikely to extend her current contract" when it comes up for renewal.
Leaving the soap would also allow her to sign up for lucrative sponsorship deals with fashion and makeup brands - something that she is prohibited from doing at the moment under the terms of her BBC contract.
"Maisie is hugely ambitious and wants to test herself away from soaps," a source told the newspaper. "The only stumbling block is whether COVID-19 and the knock-on effect of the pandemic will dilute the pool of acting opportunities.
"If it remains bleak, the sensible move might be staying put for another year. But the intention is to leave in October.
"Maisie loves EastEnders and idolises some of her co-stars, some of whom have been great role models for her.
"She believes the soap has been the perfect place to learn her trade and she owes them so much. Leaving will be a wrench but at least she knows she could return."
Should Smith quit EastEnders then her exit storyline would likely play out over Christmas 2021.
Neil Wilkes
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