Lorraine Stanley has ruled out a return to Albert Square. Speaking with the Mirror, the actor, who portrayed fiery matriarch Karen Taylor from 2017 to 2024, explained that for now, she’s focusing on her family life.

Asked if she would reprise her iconic role, Stanley mused: “Maybe – they didn’t kill me off. But right now, I wouldn’t. I’m enjoying [spending time with my daughter] Nancy. On EastEnders, I missed a lot of milestones. Now I’m like her personal taxi driver for skateboarding, piano lessons – and I love it.

“I’ve gone for a few auditions. I haven’t got anything yet, but I will,” the TV star continued. “And if I don’t, I don’t mind that either. I’m so happy being a mum.”

Stanley made her final appearance in EastEnders in June 2024. Following the murder of her son Keanu (Danny Walters), a devastated Karen had jetted to Walford from Spain, where she attended Keanu’s funeral and spoke with his supposed killer, Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo).

Unaware that it was actually Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) who had killed Keanu, Karen was convinced by Bernie (Clair Norris) to return to her life abroad for the sake of her mental health.

Speaking exclusively with Digital Spy in February, Stanley opened up about leaving the long-running soap.

“I was in EastEnders for seven years and it becomes like any job. I loved the people and I loved the job while I was there. But then you come away from it going: ‘Oh, actually, the doors are open now to do whatever I want’. So it’s a nice feeling, being free.”

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Following her character’s exit, Stanley, who shares her nine-year-old daughter Nancy with her partner of 12 years, Mark Perez, has since turned her attention to wedding planning.

Confirming that their nuptials will take place in Hertfordshire, the actor told the Mirror that she and Perez have opted for a church wedding, followed by celebrations at a pub with a teepee and barbecue. Their daughter Nancy will be the flower girl on their wedding day. Meanwhile, Stanley’s EastEnders co-star Danny Walters is on the guest list.