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Maisie Smith is reportedly set to quit EastEnders after playing Tiffany Butcher on and off for the last 13 years.
The 19 year old, who recently allegedly "locked lips" with HRVY months after romance rumours sparked, is said to be planning on leaving her role on the popular BBC soap opera in October when her contract expires.
Sources close to the actress told MailOnline that series producers are planning on using her exit as part of their dramatic Christmas storylines.
The Strictly Come Dancing star is allegedly hoping to follow in the footsteps of her former co-stars Ben Hardy and Himesh Patel, who made it big in Hollywood after starring in X-Men: Apocalypse and Yesterday.
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"Maisie is hugely ambitious and wants to test herself away from soaps," an insider told the publication.
"Starring in movies is a personal goal and seeing how well Ben and Himesh have done, it's given her hope she could be the next box office star from EastEnders.
"The only stumbling block is whether COVID-19 and the knock-on effect of the pandemic will dilute the pool of acting opportunities."
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They went on to explain that if the coronavirus pandemic continues to make finding work in the entertainment industry difficult, she'll stay on the programme for another year.
They said: "If it remains bleak, the sensible move might be staying put for another year. But the intention is to leave in October."
The source then explained that Maisie, who "could be a millionaire in two years if she walks away from EastEnders", doesn't want her on screen character Tiffany, who she's been playing since the age of six, to be killed off as she wants the option to return to Albert Square in the future.
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As she's been part of the show for the majority of her life, Maisie is said to have hopes that EastEnders bosses will allow her to do that.
"Maisie loves EastEnders and idolises some of her co-stars, some of whom have been great role models for her," the insider said.
They added: "She believes the soap has been the perfect place to learn her trade and she owes them so much.
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"Leaving will be a wrench but at least she knows she could return."
OK! online has approached Maisie's representatives and EastEnders bosses for further comment.
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