Maisie Smith is reportedly set make a surprise comeback to EastEnders – three months after her character Tiffany Butcher left Albert Square.
The actress, 20, left Walford with a suitcase in December last year, 13 years after she joined the BBC soap at the age of six to play the daughter of departed character Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).
And former Strictly Come Dancing star Maisie has reportedly been filming scenes with Tiffany’s ex Keegan (Zack Morris) who recently announced his departure.
Comeback queen? Maisie Smith, 20, is reportedly set make a surprise comeback to EastEnders three months after her character Tiffany Butcher left Albert Square
A source told The Sun: ‘Bosses felt Tiffany had unfinished business with Keegan that needed a resolution before he left.
‘So they decided to ask her back for one episode. Viewers will have to wait to see if they manage to fix their relationship or whether the bad blood that we’ve seen between them continues.’
MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for EastEnders for comment.
Farewell: The actress was seen leaving Walford in December last year, 13 years after Maisie joined the BBC soap at the age of six
Tiffany was left devastated when she discovered husband Keegan cheated on her with Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero).
She later dated Aaron Monroe (Charlie Wernham) but they went their separate ways when he showed his aggressive nature.
It emerged Maisie was leaving EastEnders last October with the star reportedly getting a number of big money offers for other projects.
She said at the time: ‘It’s time to say farewell to Tiff! I’ve grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years.
Shocking: Maisie has been involved in a number of key storylines on the soap, including a shocking grooming plot in 2019
‘I’m very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a six-year-old.’
EastEnders’ Executive Producer Jon Sen added: ‘We are all very sad to see Maisie leave.
‘She’s been a wonderful company member during her time at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to see her blossom into the star she is.
‘She has created an iconic character in Tiff and the door is always open to her return.
‘We wish her all the very best for her future projects.’
It was reported Maisie chose not to renew her contract this time because she looked to pursue other projects elsewhere.
The star has reportedly previously been offered six-figure deals with clothing and beauty brands following her successful Strictly stint, however her contract with the BBC meant she had to decline them.
Maisie finished runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 after competing with professional Gorka Marquez, 31.
Twinkle toes: Maisie finished runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 after competing with professional Gorka Marquez, 31
Maisie’s co-star Zack revealed he is leaving EastEnders after five years on Albert Square, earlier this week.
The actor, who plays Keegan Baker, is said to have already filmed his final scenes on the show.
The news was announced via the EastEnders official social media on Wednesday, with the BBC drama noting Keegan will depart Walford later this year.
Over and out: Zack, who plays Keegan Baker, is said to have already filmed his final scenes on the show
Shock exit! The news was announced via the EastEnders official social media on Wednesday, with the BBC drama noting that Keegan will depart Walford later this year
‘After five beautiful years on this incredible show, I have made the tough decision to leave Walford and give Keegan Butcher-Baker some well-earned rest.
‘This show has quite frankly changed my life for the better’ said Zack.
All may not be lost, as the actor doesn’t seem to have ruled out a return for his character – defining the departure as a ‘rest’.
Looking back: Zack joined the show in 2017 as one part of a new family to the fictional borough – becoming a fan favourite with his hard-hitting storylines
Zack joined the show in 2017 as one part of a new family to the fictional borough – becoming a fan favourite with his hard-hitting storylines.
Kate Oates, Head of Continuing Drama, BBC Studios said of Zack’s exit: ‘Zack has been an incredible asset to EastEnders; not just as a brilliant actor, but as an amazing company member.’
‘We will miss Keegan from our screens, and Zack from our Elstree family.
‘He’s a great talent, and we wish him well for the future.’
Maisie and Zack recently shut down real-life dating rumours, with Zack’s ex-girlfriend reportedly calling Maisie ‘the other woman’.
On-screen couple: Maisie and Zack recently shut down real-life dating rumours, with Zack’s ex-girlfriend reportedly calling Maisie ‘the other woman’ (pictured 2019)