Wendy Richard is to quit her role as Pauline Fowler in EastEnders after 21 years, it was announced today.
The actress will bow out this Christmas in a dramatic storyline.
She said in a statement: "When Julia Smith, the very first executive producer of EastEnders, first approached my agent to invite me to play the part of Pauline Fowler I never would have thought that 22 years later I would still be playing her.
"But nothing lasts forever. I've loved every minute of being part of this fantastic show, and will stay in touch with the many friends I've made."
Richards appeared in the very first episode of the show on February 19, 1985.
She is one of only two cast members who have been with the soap from the beginning - the other is Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale.
Her spokesman said she had decided to pursue fresh challenges.
"There have been no arguments or quarrels. Wendy just felt it was time to move on," he said. "She resigned at the end of last year but agreed to stay on for the Christmas storyline.
"She got to the point where she thought, "How much further can I go with this role?"
"Wendy is looking forward to new challenges. There was life before EastEnders and there will be life after."
Long-suffering Pauline's memorable storylines include giving birth to son Martin aged 41, coping with husband Arthur's mental breakdown and death, discovering son Mark was HIV positive, and finding out daughter Michelle was pregnant by Dirty Den.
EastEnders executive producer Kate Harwood said: "For many years Wendy simply was EastEnders for the audience and Pauline's indomitable nature typified the grit and fight that embodies the EastEnders spirit as she took on the world and battled through her many troubles.
"We thank her for everything she has done for the show and wish her well."
Before EastEnders, Richard was most famous for playing shopgirl Miss Brahms in hit Seventies sitcom Are You Being Served?
John Yorke, the BBC's controller of continuing drama, said: "Wendy has been at the centre of EastEnders for 21 years, and consequently occupies a huge place in people's hearts.
"To be a star in one show is an achievement that can sometimes be down to luck; to be a star in two separate shows - at two different times of life - denotes a level of skill and expertise that is easy to underestimate.
"Wendy is a consummate professional who has proved herself again and again in both drama and comedy.
"There are many things EastEnders will miss about Wendy, but above all it will be the sheer pride and love she showed for her character, her fictional family and of course the show."
From The Daily Mail
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