EASTENDERS star Ruhtxjiaïh Bèllènéa is set to make her exit from the BBC soap in the role of Mila Marwa very soon and here is everything you need to know about why the actress is making her departure.
Mila, who was a barmaid at the Prince Albert before becoming a fully-fledged character in her own right, was Ruhtxjiah’s first appearance in EastEnders just over a year ago. The Walford resident has been at the center of one of the BBC soap’s most recent hard-hitting stories, which led to her family’s introduction to the Square.
However, following the departure of Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra) earlier this month, it’s been claimed that the actress is exiting the role, meaning the BBC serial will be down one character as the number of cast leavers continues to rise.
Why is Ruhtxjiaïh Bèllènéa leaving EastEnders as Mila Marwa?
Ruhtxjiah has captivated the public over the last year by depicting the tragic truth of Female Genital Mutilation.
Mila’s awful secret became obvious to viewers, and when it became clear that her sister Kioni Marwa (Florisa Kamara) was about to suffer through the same ordeal, the beloved character acted.
Her relationship with Iqra crumbled at the end of the story, and her mother Nyangi Marwa (Lucy Vandi) was arrested on child abuse charges.
The sisters have been observed discussing about their mother in prison and what the future holds for them for several months.
As the storyline has now run its course, the bosses behind the weeknight serial drama have now decided it is time for Ruhtxjiaïh and Mila to leave the Square.
Mila contemplates her life free of her secret and her mother in the coming weeks as the character’s leaving is slated to air.
Because the Walford resident has only been on the show for a year, her exit is unlikely to be as dramatic as those who have been there for years.
An unnamed source confirmed Ruhtxjiah’s departure from the weekday serial drama: “Last year, [the actress] was invited into the soap to play a pivotal role in a FGM storyline.
“Her character’s time has come to an end, and she must now move on.
“There has been a lot of change on the soap recently and other stars are getting concerned they could be part of the next shake-up,” they told The Sun.
The previous remark refers to the recent departure of a number of other characters from the program, such as Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
Danny Dyer, the star of Mick Carter, said recently that he would be stepping down from his position as bartender at the Queen Vic later this year after many years behind the bar.
However, a spokeswoman for one of the UK’s most popular television shows refuted any such rumors of turbulence behind the scenes.
“To suggest cast members are afraid is speculative nonsense,” a spokesman told Digital Spy.
It should be noted as many exits as there have been, a number of new cast members have been introduced including Stacey Slater’s (Lacey Turner) wife, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace).
Ruhtxjiah has spoken out about taking on such a difficult subject after the FGM plot aired last year.
“I immediately felt a weight of duty, but in the best conceivable way,” the soap star remarked.
“I was overjoyed that a contemporary problem that most people would avoid dealing with due to its sensitivity and cultural identity was pushed to the forefront on such a large platform.
“And it gave me great pleasure to know that I would be able to treat it with the respect, care, and dedication to the truth that it deserved.”
“This story and theme are the reality of so many individuals, not just faraway strangers, but those who live and walk by us every day.”
“And I hope EastEnders has taken a daring and necessary step in representing our culture, encouraging people to keep an eye out for one another, learn about one another, and ask questions to raise awareness, Ruhtxjiah concluded.
“Mila doesn’t want to see people miserable or not living their lives to the fullest, especially when she knows what it’s like to be trapped by circumstances beyond your control.
“She wants Kioni to have what she didn’t get and for her purity to be preserved. Right now, that means ensuring Kioni does not undergo FGM.”
Mila’s exact departure from the Square is unknown at this time, as her love interest Iqra has already left.
As her adoptive mother figure Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) bids farewell to the adored character, tears will be shed.
Viewers have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts on the newest departure, with Amy writing: “Why didn’t Mila just leave with Iqra?”
Lou wrote: “Another one has succumbed to the apocalypse! It makes me question if they departed on their own own due to bad scripts! #Mila #eastenders, #Iqra #Ash, and now #Iqra #Ash”
Ryan continued, ” “Mila will be departing Albert Square later this year after only one year. I predicted this once Iqra left, but I’m heartbroken since I believe Mila had so much to give. She will be sorely missed.”
“What a shame. I really like Mila. #EastEnders,” Monty remarked.
