Maisie Smith has quit 'EastEnders' after 13 years.
Maisie Smith
The 20-year-old actress - who joined the BBC soap as Tiffany Butcher when she was just six years old - has announced her departure and says she is excited for her "next challenge".
She said: "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.
"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.”
Maisie was previously inundated with lucrative offers after taking part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' but her role on 'EastEnders' made it impossible to accept them.
A source told The Sun newspaper last year: "Her success on 'Strictly' has shown her another world and she’s a hugely ambitious young woman.
"She’s happy on 'EastEnders' but is aware of the lucrative offers, including a £50,000 offer from a make-up brand.
"Maisie could be a millionaire in two years if she walked away from 'EastEnders'."
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