Maisie Smith reveals why time isn't right for EastEnders return
Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith has played down the chances of her making an imminent comeback to Albert Square.
Maisie Smith doesn't feel ready for an EastEnders return.
The 24-year-old actress spent 14 years on the soap after joining in 2008 as Tiffany Butcher, before her character was seen leaving Albert Square in 2022 to live in Germany with her brother Liam.
Reflecting on her departure, she told Radio Times' In The Interval podcast: "I ultimately decided to leave EastEnders because as much as I loved playing Tiffany and I loved the family that was there, I was itching to get on the stage."
It has paid off for Maisie, who has since appeared on stage in the likes of The Talented Mr Ripley, The War of the Worlds, and Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
Asked if she'd return to EastEnders, she admitted: "I can't think I'd say yes right now because of what I've got coming up."
However, Maisie hinted that there is always a chance she'll make a comeback in the future.
She added: "I'm really enjoying the idea of playing different characters. But thing is with EastEnders, it is gonna be there forever and I've got such a big family there. On screen and off screen."
Maisie was just six years old when she was cast as Tiffany, and she previously admitted that because she has spent so long in the public eye, she has developed a "thicker skin", and doesn't pay any attention to online trolls.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, she told stand-in host Ranvir Singh: "I think... I don't remember not having this life and being in the public eye.
"It is normal and I've probably grown a thicker skin because of it because it's all I've ever known.
"I don't let things affect me. I always say I wouldn't go to a stranger for advice, then I wouldn't take their criticism neither."
Back in 2023, Maisie hinted that the door remains open for an EastEnders return.
She told OK! magazine: "You never leave 'EastEnders'. I’ve got a family on there that will be there for the next 50 years. I’ll always have a place there. The next time someone gets married or dies, I’m sure I’ll be back.
"They’ve watched me grow up and have never treated me any differently.”
