EastEnders is reportedly lining up a shock death storyline for autumn.
According to reports in the Daily Star Sunday, Hunter Owen is going to be killed off in a dramatic storyline that will see the exit of his mum Mel Owen from Walford.
A source told the newspaper: “It’s a big decision to kill off a major character, but producers are confident this will be great telly. Hunter’s death is going to rock Albert Square.”
They added: “There will be plenty to keep viewers hooked. Hunter’s final weeks on Albert Square will be anything but dull.”
The report also claims Hunter’s death and funeral have already been filmed.
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An EastEnders spokesperson said: “We do not comment on storyline speculation.”
Earlier this week Tamzin Outhwaite revealed she had decided to quit the show after 18 months.
She told The Sun: “When John [Yorke] asked me to return to EastEnders back in 2017, I jumped at the chance to play Mel once more but it was only supposed to be for a year.
“That year quickly passed and I agreed to stay on for another, but now the time feels right to once again pursue other challenges.
“I will of course miss so many people here at EastEnders, and I will forever have good memories of my time at the show, but I am also excited to experience new roles outside of Walford.”
EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen told Digital Spy: “We are extremely grateful to Tamzin for reviving the character of Mel Owen back in 2017, allowing EastEnders fans the chance to see one of Walford’s most popular characters take centre stage once more.
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“Tamzin is an incredible talent who has set our screens on fire with her wonderful performances in some of our most iconic storylines.
“We wish her the best of luck for the future.”
The shocking storyline comes amid an EastEnders ratings crisis as the soap hit an all-time low with just 2.9m people tuning into watch an episode last month.
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