EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley has responded to fan complaints over the soap's depiction of her character Karen Taylor.
The character is due to depart from Albert Square – news that was confirmed back in July – though some fans have been sharing their criticism of how the soap has been treating Karen recently.
This has led some to suggest the theory that the show is purposefully making Karen unlikeable so that the soap can kill her off.
Related: EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw confirms big new story for Jack and Denise
Responding to the idea, Lorraine reshared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that claimed: "They're deffo killing off Karen and are making her pure evil so we aren't arsed when they do."
The actress has also been responding to fans' disappointment over the character's direction, with Lorraine replying to one viewer arguing they had "turned Karen into a right Karen" with the words: "I know".
What to Read Next
Addressing Karen's cruel recent comments about Reiss Colwell's fertility struggles, the actress admitted she "didn't like that scene".
"It is difficult when it's something I'd never say, but Karen speaks before she thinks, it's just honest harmless humour to her, there are so many people like that, gotta love her for it….?" she added.
Related: EastEnders airs Jay Brown breakthrough in drugs story
Lorraine also revealed in another post that she "didn't like playing" Karen's tension with Sharon Watts.
Earlier this month, the actress said she had a "mix of emotions" when she learned that Karen would be exiting the soap.
"I was sad, it was a mix of emotions, it's sad but it's exciting as now I can go and do what I want," she told The Sun. "You can get a bit relaxed there and a bit comfortable. So I want to be out of my comfort zone."
The star added that she didn't know how her character would be written out, admitting: "I hope the door will be left open for Karen. I can't say too much but if they kill me then I would never watch EastEnders again."
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
