Buzzin Soap Stars

Josie Lawrence as Manda Best

Comedian Josie Lawrence who has played the part of the pottery teacher Mandy Best in Eastenders since joining the cast in the early part of this year, has announced that she will be leaving the BBC soap opera at the beginning of next year.

Manda appeared on the streets of Walford in March while recovering from the breakdown of her marriage.  In her teens, Mandy, who had grown-up in Walford  was to have had a romance with the square’s Phil Mitchell but was taken by the kindness of his best friend Minty and the two started a relationship.  However, Mandy will leave the square when she finds that her boyfriend is keeping a huge secret.

David Proud, who plays the part of Manda’s son Adam, the programmes first disabled actor, is to remain in the show.