EastEnders exit ‘not linked’ to baby snatch storyline

EASTENDERS actress Samantha Womack, whose character has been involved in the soap’s controversial baby swap plot, is to leave the show, the BBC has confirmed.

Womack plays Ronnie Branning, who lost baby son James to cot death on New Year’s Eve then swapped him for Kat Moon’s (Jessie Wallace) live newborn, Tommy — generating thousands of viewer complaints in the process.

Show chiefs confirmed mother-of-two Womack would be leaving the BBC1 soap in several months, but downplayed reports that her departure was prompted by the harrowing storyline.

According to The Sun, the 38-year-old actress brought filming to a halt during the scenes as she was so upset, and also “made it clear” to bosses that she thought the plot was wrong.

An EastEnders spokesman said: “The current storyline allows an exit for Ronnie Branning.

“Samantha Womack has been a major part of the show’s success in recent years and she will continue to work with us until her departure later this year.”

Womack will reportedly leave the show in May.

About 5,800 viewers have voiced concerns to the BBC about the New Year episodes.

Only one other EastEnders story has prompted more complaints, when Danielle Jones was killed in a car crash moments after Ronnie found out the teenager was her daughter.

More than 7,000 viewers contacted the BBC about that episode, which was broadcast in April 2009.

The corporation defended the storyline, insisting the BBC1 show did not intend to “cause distress or upset”.

Womack’s agent Michael Wiggs yesterday said: “There’s no truth whatsoever in any suggestion that Sam is ‘quitting’ EastEnders over the current storyline. Sam’s contract comes to a natural end later this year and she will be taking a break from the show. This has been agreed with the producers for several months.”

BBC Drama controller John Yorke said: “When she leaves at the end of this storyline, she’ll be much missed, and the door will be open for her return.”