EastEnders fans 'gutted' over Karen Henthorn's departure
EastEnders fans were left devastated after Karen Henthorn's final scenes as Julie Bates aired on Thursday (21.05.26).
EastEnders fans are "gutted" that Karen Henthorn has left the BBC soap after almost 30 years.
The actress returned to Walford as Julie Bates in July 2025 as part of Nigel Bates' (Paul Bradley) dementia storyline, and Karen's final scenes aired on Thursday (21.05.26), when Julie left Walford for India, weeks after her husband's death.
And fans rushed to social media to share their sadness that Karen, 63, was only on a 10-and-a-half-month contract, as one penned: "So gutted she's left.
"Her performance has been absolutely phenomenal throughout Nigel's dementia storyline. Best wishes for the future Karen."
Another typed: "Am heavy gutted Julie's leaving there's loads of story for her still to tell and brilliant actress bit s***."
And a third demanded: "BRING HER BACK RIGHT NOW IM NOT KIDDING (sic)."
Karen returned to EastEnders in July 2025 as part of Nigel's dementia storyline, having previously appeared on the soap from September 1997 until April 1998.
On Thursday, viewers watched as Julie read a letter from her late husband, which revealed he left her his pension, meaning she could afford to go on her dream trip to India.
The section of the letter read: "It’s not to be used for bills. I want you to go to India and live for me.
"Thank you for being my wife. You are my world. Be happy. I love you always. Thank you for loving me for the rest of my life."
After the episode aired, EastEnders posted Karen's farewell video to its social media platforms.
Speaking to the fans, she said: "It's my last day, and I've had the best time, the best 10-and-a-half months, and the crew and cast, it's always about people and kindness."
Karen continued: "Thanks for your love, your support, and your commitment and dedication to the programme, which you love as much as I love.
"And I'm going to really miss it, and I'm really going to miss you."
After Ben Wadey, EastEnders' executive producer, presented Karen with a bouquet of flowers, she teared up while saying: "I've had a great time, thank you, everyone.
"I'm so sad to go, but I can't wait to get home!"
Ben told the actress: "It's been such a delight having you with us.
"When Julie arrived in such an energetic whirlwind of energy, and spent years stomping around The Square, and has left having made friends and touching everyone, and she's going to be really missed by all of the characters in our show.
"And likewise, you arrived in a whirlwind of energy, and in turn, stomping around, and making friends, and you've touched all of us. And we're going to really miss you.
"It's been really lovely having you with us. Your constant waterworks, your endless tears, but your performance has really been amazing."
He reflected: "In your first couple of weeks, watching that scene of you sat on the bench in The Square, where you curled your feet up, and watched that video of Nigel.
"And I watched it and immediately started crying, and went, 'OK, this is going to be good. It's going to be a tough watch.'"
Ben concluded: "Thank you for everything, you've been amazing."
Before Karen hugged co-stars Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), she said: "I've loved every second of being here, so thank you so much. It's been an absolute joy, I've loved it. I'm really going to miss you."
She quipped: "Let's go down the pub, then!"
