BBC soap star axed after just 18 months as final scenes 'already filmed'

A BBC soap star is reportedly set to leave EastEnders after just over a year on the programme. Micah Balfour has allegedly already filmed his final scenes, which are likely to air over the next two months.

The actor only joined the BBC show at the beginning of 2024 as he took on the role of Junior Knight, the estranged son of former Queen Vic landlord George (Colin Salmon). However, other than one storyline, which involved him having an affair with his dad's ex Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), the character hasn't been embroiled in anything else too notable. The Sun reported that a source told them: "Bosses decided not to renew Micah's contract and he filmed his final scenes last month.

Obviously, Micah was gutted, but he understands how it all works. His final scenes will air before Chris t mas. The door is being left open."

An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed Micah's exit, adding: "We wish him all the best for the future." It's currently unknown how his exit will play out, though it has been reported that the door has been left open for a potential return.

Junior isn't the only member of the Knight family set to leave Albert Square soon. Molly Rainford is also due to make her final appearance as Anna.

Like Balfour, Rainford-who has played Anna for two years-has yet to publicly comment about her departure, though a spokesperson for the BBC said, "We wish her all the best for the future."

Micah is no stranger to soaps as he also appeared in ITV's Emmerdale as Dr Jermaine Bailey from 2015 to 2016 and as PC Benjamin Gayle in The Bill. He also guest-starred in Death in Paradise.

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.