STRICTLY star Maisie Smith is taking a quick step back to EastEnders — just three months after her character was written out of the soap.
Maisie, 20, who has played Tiffany Butcher since she was six, was seen leaving Albert Square with a suitcase in December.
But the actress, a hit with viewers when she was a Strictly finalist in 2020, will return for a cameo next month.
She is filming scenes with Tiffany’s ex Keegan, played by Zack Morris, who is also leaving the show.
A source said: “Bosses felt Tiffany had unfinished business with Keegan that needed a resolution before he left.
“So they decided to ask her back for one episode. Viewers will have to wait to see if they manage to fix their relationship or whether the bad blood that we’ve seen between them continues.”
In the run-up to Tiffany’s exit, fans saw her devastated when she caught husband Keegan cheating on her with Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero).
She went on to date Aaron Monroe but broke up with him after he showed his aggressive colours.
She was then seen spending the night with Keegan. Speaking in October, Maisie said: “It’s time to say farewell to Tiff.
“I’ve grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learned from the best.”
The BBC announced this week that Zack will also be departing.
He said: “After five beautiful years on this incredible show, I have made the tough decision to leave Walford and give Keegan Butcher-Baker some well-earned rest.
“This show has quite frankly changed my life for the better.”
