Another door has quietly closed on Albert Square — and this one has left fans stunned.
EastEnders actor Roland Manookian has been axed from the BBC soap after just 18 months, with insiders confirming the star has already filmed his final scenes as Teddy Mitchell, Billy Mitchell’s long-lost half-brother.
The decision brings an abrupt end to what was once billed as a major new chapter for the Mitchell dynasty — and sources say the move has come as a surprise even to those behind the scenes.
A Mitchell Revival That Never Took Off
When Roland, 46, joined the soap, expectations were high. His arrival was meant to inject fresh energy into Walford’s most notorious family, introducing a brand-new Mitchell branch alongside on-screen sons played by Elijah Holloway and Lewis Bridgeman.
But despite strong early promise — and Manookian’s impressive screen pedigree from films such as The Football Factory and Rise of the Footsoldier — the storyline momentum never fully materialised.
According to insiders, the character simply ran out of road.
“It Feels Like Such a Waste”
A source told The Sun that Roland had taken a considerable gamble by stepping into soapland after years of success in film.
“Roland took a big risk agreeing to join EastEnders,” the insider said.
“There were big hopes that Teddy would help revitalise the Mitchells — but for whatever reason, the material just wasn’t there.”
They added bluntly:
“Bosses decided the character had run his course. It seems like such a waste.”
The BBC has since confirmed the exit, with an EastEnders spokesperson stating:
“We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
A Year of Upheaval on the Square
Manookian’s departure comes amid a period of significant cast movement at the soap.
This week alone, viewers said goodbye to Bobbie Brazier and Molly Rainford, whose characters Freddie Slater and Anna Knight departed Walford for Australia in emotional scenes — notably without the iconic duff-duff ending.
Instead, the pair walked hand-in-hand out of Albert Square beneath Christmas lights, watched tearfully by friends and family outside The Queen Vic.
Jean Slater’s emotional farewell — “Love you!” — left viewers equally misty-eyed.
New Faces Step In As Others Step Away
As some exits make headlines, EastEnders is also welcoming new blood.
Comedian and actress Ronni Ancona, 57, is set to arrive in the New Year as Bea, an old school acquaintance of Linda Carter. Their reunion is expected to be anything but warm, with conflicting memories of the past quickly igniting tension.
Ronni described joining the soap as an honour, saying:
“I’m thrilled to be stepping into such an unpredictable and complex role.”
Executive producer Ben Wadey added that Bea is “mysterious” — and promises to leave a lasting mark on the Square.
Another Chapter Closed
For Roland Manookian, the EastEnders chapter may have been brief — but it was never meant to be small.
His exit marks yet another reminder that in Walford, no character is ever guaranteed a long future — no matter the legacy attached to their surname.
And as the Square continues to evolve, fans are once again left asking the same question:
Who will be next to walk away under the Christmas lights?
