EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison is set to leave the BBC soap after three years, with his final scenes as Felix Baker set to air in the coming weeks

EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison is set to leave the soap after three years, and his final scenes will air soon.

The actor, who plays Felix Baker, is set to film his final episodes after show bosses decided to write out his character.

“It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave,” a source explained. “Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix.”

A BBC spokeswoman later confirmed Matthew’s exit, telling The Sun that the actor will be departing Walford later this year.

The statement read: “We can confirm that Matthew will be leaving EastEnders later in the year. We wish him all the best for the future.”

EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison is set to leave the BBC soap after three years(Image: BBC)

After learning the news, several EastEnders fans quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their disappointment.

“Such a waste. They could have properly ultilised Felix/Tara to portray real-life LGBTQ+ issues, especially with the rise in hate crime. Also the rise in addiction & drug deaths in the community would have been an amazing storyline for #EastEnders to explore through the character,” one person wrote.

“He’s had 5 appearances apparently so far this year and I don’t think he had lines in all of them. That’s not a character the show has any clue what to do with sadly,” another added.

Felix Baker was the soap’s first ever drag queen character with his act Tara Misu(Image: BBC)

“Such a shame because he was the first drag character on the show who I felt could’ve been utilised so much more. Wishing Matthew James Morrison all the best,” a third said.

Meanwhile, a fourth fan shared their confusion, saying: “I wonder what’s gone on behind the cameras. Why was he reduced to being an extra?”

Matthew joined the soap in 2019 as part of the Baker family – who are cousins of the Taylors. Felix arrived in Albert Square with his dad Avery and brother Finley, but Avery tragically passed away just weeks after his arrival. Finley was subsequently axed a year later.

Fans are gutted over Felix’s exit (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Felix made history on EastEnders as the soap’s first ever drag queen character with his alter ego Tara Misu.

Matthew previously shared his excitement at being part of the iconic soap, saying: “I am blessed to have the opportunity to step into the heels of the fierce Tara Misu as part of my role on EastEnders.

“It’s a privilege to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and to showcase the creative art of drag to both viewers at home and the residents of Walford.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am