The Mirror:
EXCLUSIVE: EASTENDER JESSIE'S WALKOUT THREAT
By Caroline Hedley
EASTENDER Jessie Wallace is on the verge of quitting the ailing show, it emerged last night.
The star - maneater Kat Moon - wants to spend more time with five-month-old daughter Tallulah Lilac and explore other acting roles.
But she is also disillusioned by the exodus of stars, such as Michelle Ryan, who played sister Zoe, and Chris Parker (her brother-in-law Spencer), as well as the planned exit of Shane Richie - telly husband Alfie.
The mum-of-one, 33, has told chiefs she may not renew her contract when it expires in September - despite being offered a massive pay rise.
A friend said last night: "Jessie's a very talented, award-winning actress and throughout her four-and-a-half years on the show has been offered dozens of other parts.
"She's stuck it out with EastEnders through loyalty. But with a lot of cast members she gets on with quitting, such as Michelle and Chris, the morale just isn't the same.
"However, although she's ambitious, the most important thing to her right now is being a mum.
"She is allowed to take her daughter on set, but the hours are long and she can't bear being parted from her for more than a few minutes."
Jessie - back from maternity leave but yet to reappear on screen - has also been influenced by Shane's impending departure, to be aired in December.
A Walford insider added: "The pair of them have shared some of the soap's most memorable storylines. With him leaving, it's made her think it may be time to move on and look into other career options.
"She's also desperate to spend as much time as possible with Tallulah Lilac."
Brassy Jessie has become a fans' favourite since arriving in Walford on a milk float, swigging from a bottle of champagne, in 2000.
She has had several lovers, including club owner Steve Owen, GP Anthony Trueman, her sister Lynne's boyfriend Garry Hobbs and gangster fiance Andy Hunter before she fell for Alfie.
If Jessie quit the drama, bosses would want to ensure Kat and Alfie left Walford together.
The show insider added: "They would have to work out how to write out both at once.
"To have Shane and Jessie going together would be a nightmare for long-term ratings.
"But in the short-term it would offer some potentially explosive storylines and bring in much-needed viewers."
The struggling series has seen ratings plunge to little more than six million and has been hit by high-profile resignations.
As well as Chris and Michelle, others to have left include Scarlett Johnson, who played Vicki Fowler, and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell).
Nigel Harman (Dennis Watts) and screen lover Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts) are also on extended leave while they consider their futures.
Programme supremo Kathleen "The Hatchet" Hutchison had vowed to make sweeping changes to improve viewing figures, but she was axed in January after stars threatened a revolt.
New chief Kate Harwood hopes the return of old favourites, such as Peggy Mitchell and sons Grant and Phil, will revive the soap's fortunes.
