View Full Version : Pauline Leaving
*Fairydust*
10-07-2006, 17:39
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
I can't believe this! I never thought she'd leave.
Well, I guess all I can say is that I wish Wendy the best of luck in the future and I hope she does well.
Thanks for posting :)
i never thought I'd hear this!
in a way its sad as the old ones are leaving, but then again its good as out with the old and in with the new, Pauline hasnt done much for years, and we have to give up screetime for her to have small storylines.
well done to wendy richards for 21 years of superb work! :bow:
Jada-GDR
10-07-2006, 18:16
"Wendy is looking forward to new challenges. There was life before EastEnders and there will be life after."
i'm not being nasty or anything, but how old is she? is she really going to continue acting?
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.
uh... no
i'm not being nasty or anything, but how old is she? is she really going to continue acting?
uh... no
I dont think she's actually as old as she seems, think she's late 40's, early 50's.
Can't believe she's leaving though!!
squillyfer
10-07-2006, 18:44
This is such a surprise I'm in shock, as much as we hate her character I never wanted her to leave
bakedbean
10-07-2006, 18:44
I think they will kill her off Pauline would never leave Walford, this means the end of the Fowler family what with Michelle and Vicki in the U.S. and with Martin and Sonia to leave. The first family of Eastenders an end of an era.
squillyfer
10-07-2006, 18:46
I dont think she's actually as old as she seems, think she's late 40's, early 50's.
Can't believe she's leaving though!!
Pauline is supposed to be 61 wendy richards is 60 in ten days time
I dont think she's actually as old as she seems, think she's late 40's, early 50's.
Can't believe she's leaving though!!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0723910/
She is 63
.:SpIcYsPy:.
10-07-2006, 18:53
Ohhhhhhh myyy goddddd!! I'd never thought the day will come :eek:
Well it's quite sad because she's been there since the start but it's good because she's pretty annoying but hey most mum's are like that.. well similar :rotfl:
Good luck to her!! x
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0723910/
She is 63
oh ok woops! i always thought she was older my mum always acted like she was close in age to her (but mum's only 47!)
Chris_2k11
10-07-2006, 19:35
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0723910/
She is 63Omg she was born right near where I live!
Anyway i'm really shocked she's leaving! What will Maaaaaaahtin do now without his old maa Pauline ey? :hmm:
true.moon
10-07-2006, 19:37
Finally!!! I thought she would never leave!
Shes so boring!! glad shes going actually she just so attached to martin. I thought she would stay untill the end!
Wish her well in her furtre though
omg! never ever did i expect her to actually leave!
Cornishbabe
10-07-2006, 19:40
OMG I thought she was part of the paintwork much like the vic. It will be really wierd having eastenders without pauline...
true.moon
10-07-2006, 19:42
Lol its hard to imagine it without her. Without the yells of "mmmaaarrrttttiiiiinnnn" you hear all the time. I dont think it will be the same without her
DaVeyWaVey
10-07-2006, 19:44
Wow!! This is one big shock! :eek: I never thought Pauline would actually leave yet, i mean she's been in the show since the very start and is part of the Eastenders furniture! I am really surprised by this news! Eastenders won't be the same without Pauline.
I wish Wendy Richards the best of luck anyway, she has been a massive assett to the show, so good luck Wendy! :thumbsup:
I wonder what will happen with her and Joe now?!
squillyfer
10-07-2006, 19:52
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0723910/
She is 63
thats a different d.o.b to the ee website :searchme:
Richie_lecturer
10-07-2006, 21:04
Very sad to hear this. It's the end of an era. :crying:
It won't be long til June Brown leaves and then EE will start to decay.
Oh well, at least one less reason why Sharon should NOT return. :cheer:
alvinsduckie
10-07-2006, 21:29
awwww..i'll miss her.:crying: first knew her as Miss Brahms on "Are u being served?"
I wish her well tho, 'spose all good things must come to an end:clap:
It won't be long til June Brown leaves and then EE will start to decay.
:
It has already started with the return of Den and th Magnificent Mitchells:rolleyes:
Chris_2k11
10-07-2006, 21:48
Wonder if she's getting killed off.
Wonder if she's getting killed off.
christmas time... i would very much think so... after all why would Pauline leave her home of 60 years?
Wonder if she's getting killed off. Strangled by her cardie perhaps
littlemo
10-07-2006, 22:21
It is very sad, I can't believe it! I think it must be a death, as was said before she wouldn't leave Walford, especially leaving her son behind. We all know how much family means to her.
It'll pave the way for Martin to stand on his own two feet. You reckon he'll manage with Rebecca on his own without his mum around?! It's a scary prospect.
I can imagine this will cause the end of Joe's character. He's got Bert, but there isn't really ties for him is there?!
Chris_2k11
10-07-2006, 22:21
And what about her poor Betty? :crying: :rolleyes:
littlemo
10-07-2006, 22:22
And what about her poor Betty? :crying: :rolleyes:
Yeah, a 5 year old and a dog. Martin will have his hands full.
lollymay
10-07-2006, 22:43
its a shame - shes a great assit to the show and will be missed!
It's not really surprising and I don't blame her. To be honest all the original "characters" and ones that have joined over the past couple of years are being pushed out of the door and have quit, each being replaced by a new set. This is to me what appears to be happening, "out with the old" in with "the new" inorder to "restart" Eastenders from scratch again.
Yes I agree June Brown will be next followed by the actor played by Jim (can never remember his name) and finally Pam st Clements will leave also, or maybe all three will quit at the same time. Also the rumours about Adam Woodyatt leaving have been quashd by Enders and they say that he is staying put and going nowhere, but for how long?
Chris_2k11
11-07-2006, 09:41
I know what you mean Babe14, it's like a different show these days.
I know what you mean Babe14, it's like a different show these days.
You don't recognise anyone anymore. Half the time the scripts are crap, characters have no personalities.
After having said that I did quite enjoy last weeks and still enjoy parts of the soap but nowhere near as much as I used to. To be honest I think there may come a time in the very near future where I just won't bother with it anymore. To me it's just not the Eastenders I used to love and enjoy anymore.
Mr Humphries
11-07-2006, 09:52
Well God Bless You Wendy Richards !
You are Eastenders first lady ! After 21 years where can you take Pauline Fowler with your most of your family missing or dead.
The question you ask is has she quit because she does not think the soap is any good anymore ? Could this be the first in a long line of people going? Will Ian, Pat and Dot be next ? You got to say that age may also be a part of it, 4 screenings a week, maybe it takes its toll after a while, you could argue the same with corrie but you never see the old ones very much in a week do you ? Eastenders has a 1/3 of the cast than what Corrie has !
Wendy Richards, has also suffered with her personal health in recent years and maybe she just wants to retire, She has had a huge career on the tv, with parts in On The Buses, various Carry On's plus Are you Being Served and the spin off series aswell as 21 years on once the biggest soap on TV.
She is a household name not many people in soaps can say that !
I cant help but think, that Wendy knows after 21 year when then storylines have been quite naff, enough is enough for the soap. With so many changes to the top brass, and good and naff stories, like The Return of Dirty Den, which was good for Pauline's future storyline, she might just think what is the point ?? I watched EE last night and its a shade of its former self. Peggy and Pat stuffing there faces with food and wine, and acting like best friends ! Yeah right coz to women would be like that in real like, Phil and Gary sitting on the sofa like best mates? So many stars walking around the square with no purpose. Jane is one of the best hopes for soap, but grant gone, all she does in moan ! Why give her a storyline and then drop her the next. With the Slaters gone, The Watts even Johnnie Allen (you knew something was going to come back and bite him on the bum, always) What is EE going to do with out The Fowler family now !!
We have the Brannings, the Wicks, the fox's, the Wet mitchells oh and half the Miller's! Seems we are doomed.
Well done Wendy for getting out now ! 21-years in the soap, a very big well done Honey :clap: :clap: :clap: :bow: :bow: :bow:
Chloe O'brien
11-07-2006, 14:54
I want to wish wendy all the best whe she leaves. She has been a diamond in that show and good on her for lasting 21 years, she will be truly missed. Let's hope EE give her a fitting tribute and a corker of an exit. (none of this leaving in a taxi crap).
I think it may be only a matter of time before dot and Ian follow her. Then there will be hardly any familiar faces in the square. I think its time that EE and other soaps cut back on the episodes they show on tv each week and concentrate on better and new storylines. This way they would encourage more actors to appear on the show. Instead of bringing in week characters who may look good in front of the camera but cant act for toffee.
Chris_2k11
11-07-2006, 15:16
Yes well my view on all this is that I think it's terrible news.......... :(
........that we've got another 5 months of Pauline to bare. :rotfl: :rotfl:
lol nah seriously, Wendy Richards is an asset to EastEnders and the show won't be the same without her when she leaves. :angel: I wish her the best of luck for the future. :)
i_luv_dennis
11-07-2006, 15:37
it be sad to see her go lol not but dont think it be the same with out her
Even though I'm not keen on the character, it will be a shame to see someone who has been in the show so long leaving.
I'm surprised she's been kept this long, so many characters are axed because there are no storylines for them and Pauline has been one of the ones with the lowest number.
crazygirl
11-07-2006, 19:17
well i'm glad were getting rid of the grumpy moo!! she's boring! hopefully they will kill her off
DaVeyWaVey
11-07-2006, 21:21
well i'm glad were getting rid of the grumpy moo!! she's boring! hopefully they will kill her off
Well there was a big article in the Sun newspaper today over Pauline departing Eastenders and they said that EE producers are planning to kill Pauline off at Christmas.
If this is true, this will be the most heartbreaking storyline at Christmas time that EE has ever had.
Pinkbanana
11-07-2006, 21:35
Well there was a big article in the Sun newspaper today over Pauline departing Eastenders and they said that EE producers are planning to kill Pauline off at Christmas.
If this is true, this will be the most heartbreaking storyline at Christmas time that EE has ever had.
Oh I dont think it will be that upsetting personally. I'm glad she is going, I mean, I don't think there is much left they could do with the character. Plus all her immediate family has gone or is going.
Bye, bye to the sour faced satsuma! lol:D
Goodbye to the matriarch of Albert Square.
Shes been through a lot both on screen and off, and I for one will miss her. It won't be long now before the only other original (Adam Woodyatt) will leave - after 21 years of being a doormat, they are going to have to do something or he will be off soon too
Richie_lecturer
11-07-2006, 21:49
It's only a matter if time before Adam says enough is enough, especially if they continue to give him such dreadful storylines.
I feel very sorry for him.
It's only a matter if time before Adam says enough is enough, especially if they continue to give him such dreadful storylines.
I feel very sorry for him. I do - he's a great actor and all hes had are dire storylines, especially of late. I think he must be one of the only characters that have never had a character transplant too. If I were him, I'd have probably gone a long time ago.
Pinkbanana
11-07-2006, 21:54
It's only a matter if time before Adam says enough is enough, especially if they continue to give him such dreadful storylines.
I feel very sorry for him.
I think he knows which side his bread is buttered. I cant see him leaving unless he is axed. I don't think he would be very successful away from enders and at least there he gets a lovely large pay cheque every month.
Plus he said he will remain in Enders for as long as they want him.
Dutchgirl
11-07-2006, 22:00
I've just read it, could not believe it, what will they do , and Joe poor man. Martin will be free at last, or was he leaving as well? Think so?
Pinkbanana
11-07-2006, 22:11
I've just read it, could not believe it, what will they do , and Joe poor man. Martin will be free at last, or was he leaving as well? Think so?
Yeah don't you think its kida weird that Joe just seems to have disappeared? Where is he? What has the satsuma done with him?
Pinkbanana
11-07-2006, 22:12
I've just read it, could not believe it, what will they do , and Joe poor man. Martin will be free at last, or was he leaving as well? Think so?
Yeah don't you think its kinda weird that Joe just seems to have disappeared? Where is he? What has the satsuma done with him?
If they ever find him. his days must be number too, surely?!
Pinkbanana
11-07-2006, 22:13
Woweeee..... not sure how I managed to post that twice, was only wanting to edit it!!! But it gets my point across! lol
crazygirl
11-07-2006, 22:14
It's only a matter if time before Adam says enough is enough, especially if they continue to give him such dreadful storylines.
I feel very sorry for him. adam will go, which would be sad because i think he is fabulous
Chris_2k11
12-07-2006, 07:34
Ian was better back in the days with Cindy (I thought she was great.)
Ian was better back in the days with Cindy (I thought she was great.)
I agree. Ian/Cindy were great and I too loved the character of Cindy:)
Richie_lecturer
12-07-2006, 11:51
Ah yes I agree with that as well. :)
callummc
12-07-2006, 13:48
Pauline is one ee legends,its sad she's going,i wish the actress luck for the future,i somehow feel wendys luck will be better than ee who will find it hard to get back a lot of their old veiwers after losing one of their best actresses,to many strange faces and poor storylines
Richie_lecturer
12-07-2006, 15:05
to many strange faces and poor storylines
Or even too many poor faces and strange storylines!
Xx-Vicky-xX
12-07-2006, 15:36
Is there actually going to be any older (not in ages like as in how long they have been in it) people left, its going to beocme a show that no one recognises soon with all the new people they keep bringing in and all of the older people going.
I never thought id hear Wendy say she would leave the show yet though i was really shocked when my friend told me about that.
Pinkbanana
12-07-2006, 18:17
Is there actually going to be any older (not in ages like as in how long they have been in it) people left, its going to beocme a show that no one recognises soon with all the new people they keep bringing in and all of the older people going.
I never thought id hear Wendy say she would leave the show yet though i was really shocked when my friend told me about that.
There's Jim,Dot, Peggy, Jack (honey's dad), Aunty Sally (Honey's aunty), The trumans, Bert, Big Mo, Pat, Joe - all of whom, shall we say, aren't spring chickens!
There's Aunt Sally as in Peggy's sister as well, but she isn't a regular character.
Richie_lecturer
12-07-2006, 18:25
Charlie is old too. In fact behind June Brown (Dot) he's the second oldest member of the cast at 73! :eek:
Dot and Ian will leave soon, I can feel it in my veins.
Pinkbanana
12-07-2006, 18:32
Charlie is old too. In fact behind June Brown (Dot) he's the second oldest member of the cast at 73! :eek:
Dot and Ian will leave soon, I can feel it in my veins.
Cor blimey is Charlie really 73?! I didn't have him pegged down for being that old. In that case he looks pretty good on it really.
I dont think Ian will be going anywhere, unless they axe him, in which case he will be leaving to visit the job centre! :lol: lol
Pinkbanana
12-07-2006, 21:40
I was just wondering, who will do all the service washes for the good folk of Walford now Pauline is going?! lol
The laundrette will never be the same without her! :(
Is there actually going to be any older (not in ages like as in how long they have been in it) people left, its going to beocme a show that no one recognises soon with all the new people they keep bringing in and all of the older people going.
It has already become that and as I have said previously they who run it appear to be starting the soap from scratch again with a brand new cast/set of characters.
Xx-Vicky-xX
13-07-2006, 10:50
It has already become that and as I have said previously they who run it appear to be starting the soap from scratch again with a brand new cast/set of characters.
I totally agree, as it is right now its only the people who have been in it for a while like Pauline, Phil, Sonia, Martin, Dot, Jim etc that make it Eastenders, without them people are going to think they are watching the wrong show, even though i havent stopped watching i sometimes forget its Eastenders im watching
JustJodi
13-07-2006, 15:53
Hey every body has it been CONFIRMED that Pauline is indeed leaving ??? If she is leaving is it because of her health ???:searchme:
crazygirl
13-07-2006, 16:10
Hey every body has it been CONFIRMED that Pauline is indeed leaving ??? If she is leaving is it because of her health ???:searchme: no its not because of her health she is leaving because she feels there is nomore they can do with pauline! she's been in eadtenders for 22 years and thinks its time to leave which i think good on her 22 years is a long time to be in the same job
littlemo
13-07-2006, 16:20
Yeah. I think she said she wanted pursue other projects as well. I think I would just want to retire if I were her.
DaVeyWaVey
13-07-2006, 17:52
Pauline is going to be killed off at Christmas apparently.
JustJodi
13-07-2006, 18:21
Pauline is going to be killed off at Christmas apparently.
Once again EE is grasping for straws,,, why don't they just let Joe and Pauline move to Florida with Michelle and retire happily,,, butttttttt who is gonna have the house, now that Martin is ALSO leaving ???????( another topic for another time I guess )
crazygirl
13-07-2006, 19:24
sharon marshall said this morning that nothing has been decided if she is going to be killed off but sharon marshall thinks she will be
That wouldn't surprise me in the least. Personally as JJ mentioned above I think that Pauline should have a happy ending and enjoy her remaining years happy in the sun complete with love and family (Michelle/Sharon etc)
tammyy2j
14-07-2006, 12:28
I never thought she would leave. I hope she doesn't die or is killed even though i'm not the biggest Pauline fan i think her and Joe leaving to live somewhere else would be ok
eastenders mad
16-07-2006, 10:04
i saw in the Sun newspaper yesterday that she was regretting leaving the show, has she sits on hoilday byherself. But in the pic she has a cigratte in her hand, so why is she complaining about her health.
Pinkbanana
16-07-2006, 17:03
Just reading the beginning of the thread and the press release about her leaving. It said she was looking forward to persuing new challenges or something. I don't see apart from panto what she could do, as she has been for so long and will always be Pauline Fowler!!! She couldn't just turn up in the Bill etc... I just be sat there in disbelief thinking why has Pauline been nicked for shoplifting?! etc....
What do other folk think? What can she do, and is there life after Pauline Fowler?! Answers on a postcard to.................
JustJodi
16-07-2006, 17:12
I think she should just RETIRE.....shes worked her tail off all her adult life, why doesn't EE let her and Joe just move to the States to be with Michelle and her family, and live out her life in PEACE..Wasn't there a thread some where saying MARTIN was leaving too,, what will there be for Pauline to do if she doesn't have her kid to boss around,, I just do not see any story lines there for her unless they are going to let her DIE in a hospital bed ... not murdered or something awful,,Mind u I do not like Pauline at all but I just figured shes been there forever they could at least.............. oh well thats my 2 euro cents worth ............:searchme:
Pinkbanana
16-07-2006, 17:24
Yeah she should just retire. Life is too short!!
Plus she has been playing a (satsuma coloured) character who looks like they have been chewing on a wasp for the last 20+ years, so the poor woman deserves a break, a permanent one!
Yeah she should just retire. Life is too short!!
yer she should and she deserevs but i just cant believe she is going to leave.
Pinkbanana
16-07-2006, 17:50
Have to say, Im rather pleased she is going!!! :cheer:
Its the character, not the actor, im pleased to see going. Think Pauline Fowler has had her time! Hopfully she will be going to see that great allotment in the sky and be reunited with Arthur very soon! Bless, can feel tears welling up in my eyes!:rolleyes:
I still see her as Miss Brahams (sp?) in Are you being served. :D
I don't know what sort of roles she would have outside of EE, but I think now is definitely the right time for her to leave.
Pinkbanana
16-07-2006, 23:56
I think she should have gone before now. She really has not done anything but moan and look miserable for the last few years. The most interesting thing she has done of late is turn a rather unnatural orange colour! lol
I think she should have gone before now. She really has not done anything but moan and look miserable for the last few years. The most interesting thing she has done of late is turn a rather unnatural orange colour! lol
Her exit storyline could well be to die from skin cancer given her current colour and by the writing standards of the writers.
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