Spoilers: EastEnders star reveals Karen's exit drama

Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) faces a daunting prospect in EastEnders, as she considers leaving all of her beloved children behind so that she can take baby Kayden away from Walford — as per Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) request — but will she follow through and depart the Square?

Sharon (Letitia Dean) gave baby Kayden to Karen several months back, revealing that she no longer felt able to look after him following Dennis’ (Bleu Landau) death.

Karen was shocked by her former adversary’s huge decision, but she agreed to take care of her grandchild nonetheless.

On Sharon’s decision, actress Lorraine Stanley said: ‘I don’t think Karen can quite get her head around it because Karen is such a maternal mum, I just don’t think she’d even do that as a mother.’

‘In a way she’s doing a similar thing but her kids are grown up so it’s different. So I think she’s got mixed feelings really. She understands what Sharon’s going through but I don’t think it would be something she’d ever do herself.’

Desperate to make Sharon’s life easier following Dennis’ demise, Ian offered to financially support Karen and Kayden if she agreed to leave Walford., and — in spite of her initial hesitation — she ultimately agreed to do so.

However, leaving behind her beloved family will no doubt be a tall task for Karen, and Lorraine said: ‘Obviously as a mother she doesn’t want to leave her children but she feels that she’s doing the right thing for Kayden, she couldn’t bare him to go into care so it’s her only option.’

‘I think she’s really bonded with him, being that age as well, she has really strong feeling for her little grandson.’

EastEnders continues Monday 25 May at 8:40pm on BBC One.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps at our homepage.