Latest news with #MollyRainford
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders favourite 'bids farewell to the soap' after two years amid string of other cast exits
Molly Rainford is reportedly 'set to wave goodbye' to her EastEnders' character Anna Knight after two years on the soap. The actress, 24, is rumoured to be be leaving Walford soon - although the date of her last appearance remains unclear. 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future,' a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror. It appears it was a 'mutual decision between Molly and the soap bosses' - after new Executive Producer Ben Wadey took over the soap. The source also claimed the star is 'ready for new ventures', but details about Anna's exit remain 'under wraps for now'. MailOnline has contacted Molly's representatives and the BBC for comment. Molly has played Anna Knight on EastEnders since 2023, after starting her career on the CBBC, presenting Friday Download and starring as the titular character in sci-fi series Nova Jones. The reports emerged a few weeks after Molly and her partner Tyler West reportedly signed up for the next series of Celebrity Race Across the World - proving the star has kept herself booked and busy. The soap beauty and the broadcaster, 29, who met during BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to be taking on the travel challenge together. A source told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. 'They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. 'They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Last year, Molly and Tyler moved into their first home together and began sharing their home improvements journey with their followers. Alongside a clip of the couple inside their new home and in the 'Strictly' ballroom doing a clapping routine, Molly wrote on Instagram: 'Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now @homewithmolty.' At the end of the clip, Tyler quipped: 'We've got a lot of cleaning up to do babe.' After previously denying speculation they were dating, the pair posted a TikTok with Tyler seen placing his hand on Molly's leg as they recited lines from 'Friends'. The audio they used was of Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani telling each other they knew Monica Geller and Chandler Bing were dating in secret. The clip was captioned: 'Did you know? @MollyRainford,' with Tyler adding a red love heart and a crying with laughter emoji. While she first came to fame after getting to the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012 and made new fans with her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. After failing to win BGT when she was 11 years old, Simon and his record label sponsored her to go to the coveted Sylvia Young Theatre School. The prestigious London school has been a hotbed of talent for decades, producing singers including Adele, Dua Lipa, Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, and Emma Bunton, plus actors Keeley Hawes, Nicholas Hoult and Daniel Kaluuya. Molly previously explained: 'I did Britain's Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old. The soap beauty and the broadcaster, 29, who met during BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to be taking on the travel challenge together (seen on Strictly) That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world.' Music mogul Simon agreeing to sponsor her stage-schooling when Molly's family turned down his offer of a record deal, determined their daughter would not become a one-hit wonder.
Metro
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders confirms another major exit as star leaves after two years
EastEnders star Molly Rainford is set to exit after two years. The actress, 24, joined the BBC soap as Anna Knight as part of a huge shake-up at The Queen Vic in 2023. A spokesperson told Metro: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' Some of her biggest storylines have included being spiked in the local nightclub – which spawned a special digital spin-off series – and reuniting with her estranged mother Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). The Walford icon had given birth to her while assuming a different identity in witness protection, and then fled the family home when they were placed under threat. A more recent plot saw Anna conflicted between then-boyfriend Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) and his best mate Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), later falling pregnant with Bobby's child and terminating the pregnancy. The character has been notably absent for some time, with it being explained that she's visiting a friend in Spain. Molly, who found fame on Britain's Got Talent at the age of 11, is just the latest of several stars who have been axed by new executive producer Ben Wadey. Clair Norris and Matthew James Morrison will depart their Bernie Taylor and Felix Baker roles in the coming weeks, with Bobby Brazier also leaving after three years. Whether or not their exits will coincide remains to be seen. Wadey has also been instrumental in reintroducing Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater after two decades, with newcomer Pierre Moullier stepping into Oscar Branning's shoes this summer. On Molly's exit, a source told The Sun: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' More Trending An insider added to the publication: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' View More » EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: EastEnders star 'ageing backwards' as she wows fans with new look MORE: EastEnders legend reveals beauty regime secrets as fans can't believe her age MORE: EastEnders legend felt 'enlightened' after cancer battle
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Molly Rainford is to leave EastEnders after two years Credit: Getty 3 The actress has played Anna Knight since 2023 Credit: BBC 3 She joined the soap after becoming runner up on Strictly in 2022 Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Clair Norris was left upset by her axing earlier this year. Huge EastEnders star to QUIT soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities' And her on-screen cousin, Matthew James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leave alongside her next month. Bobby Brazier has also mutually decided to leave the show as Freddie Slater after three years.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. 3 3 3 But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Clair Norris was left upset by her axing earlier this year. And her on-screen cousin, Matthew James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leave alongside her next month.
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, Lucinda Strafford and actress Molly Rainford dazzle on star-studded TRIC Awards red carpet
The stars were out in force to celebrate the broadcasting industry BRINGING THE GLAM Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, Lucinda Strafford and actress Molly Rainford dazzle on star-studded TRIC Awards red carpet Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island's Tasha Ghouri, Lucinda Strafford and actress Molly Rainford led the glam today on the star-studded TRIC Awards red carpet. The glitzy bash aims to celebrate the very best of British broadcasting, and attracts stars from across the UK. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Love Island's Tasha Ghouri lead the glam at this year's TRIC Awards Credit: Getty 7 Fellow former Islander Lucinda Strafford made sure to turn heads in this backless number Credit: Getty 7 Molly Rainford looked stunning as she headed into the awards Credit: Getty 7 Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova looked chic in her monochrome dress Credit: Getty The awards celebrate talent from across TV, radio and online with a focus on praising "diverse talent" in UK broadcast media. Famous faces from screen and audio attend the awards, alongside other people from the industry. For this year's TRIC Awards, Love Island's Tasha and Lucinda pulled out all the stops. Tasha opted for a a denim suit which matching crop top, while Lucinda looked stunning in her bejewelled backless dress. EastEnders star Molly Rainford shimmered in her metallic gown. While Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova looked chic in her monochrome dress. Other stars there included best pals Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson who, of course, arrived together. This year's awards were hosted by Channel 5's Dan Walker, who is also the current president of the prestigious event. They were held at London's posh Grosvenor House. The TRIC Awards - which stands for Television and Radio Industries Club - were launched in 1931, and have been held annually since 1969. Winners range from soap stars to breakfast TV presenters - and everything in between. Trophies are handed out for honours such as Soap Of The Year, Best Entertainment Programme and Best Daytime Show. All money raised at the event is divided between several nominated charities. 7 Traitors winner Leanne Quigley wowed in this racy outfit Credit: Getty 7 Best pals Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks arrived together Credit: Getty
