Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith has spoken about a possible return to the soap years after her departure, admitting she has "such a big family there". The star rose to fame playing Tiffany Butcher-Baker on the show, appearing on-and-off for 13 years before saying goodbye in 2021.
Maisie left at the time to pursue other acting opportunities, and admitted in a new interview that she wouldn't accept any potential offer to come back at the moment.
"I can't think I'd say yes right now because of what I've got coming up," she told Radio Times' In the Interval podcast.
Related: Best streaming services
"I'm really enjoying the idea of playing different characters," the actor continued, though did add: "But thing is with EastEnders, it is gonna be there forever and I've got such a big family there. On screen and off screen."
Opening up further about her exit, Maisie shared: "I ultimately decided to leave EastEnders because as much as I loved playing Tiffany and I loved the family that was there, I was itching to get on the stage."
What to Read Next
Last year, the star reflected on career regrets ahead of her role in a stage production of The Talented Mr Ripley, explaining that she turned down parts in the past due to fear.
"I spent so many years questioning whether I was good enough to do other things and turned down a lot of opportunities – things I now regret – out of pure fear," she told Ox in a Box.
Related: EastEnders lines up new worry for Honey Mitchell as date night goes wrong
"People kept telling me it was a brutal world out there and that I'd have to jump into the deep end.
"So it was scary to leave EastEnders, but over the past few years I've learned to trust my gut instinct. So yes, I do think I've been brave, but I'm loving it."
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating the global phenomenon of BTS, is here! Buy this ultimate fan guide in newsagents or online.
