EastEnders icon makes shock exit after short-lived return as fans say: 'She's off again!'

Karen Taylor shockingly returned to Walford last week, but to her fans' dismay, she very quickly left EastEnders after meeting her son’s supposed ‘murderer’. And fans aren’t happy that Karen, played by Lorraine Stanley, has left Walford again.

Karen first left Albert Square after ripping off the Mitchells. She and son, Keanu Taylor faked Albie’s kidnap and blackmailed Sharon Watts - all of which was exposed at Sharon and Keanu’s wedding.

After the discovery, Karen was chased out of town. But of course, she returned when Bernie Taylor broke the news that Keanu had been murdered and buried under the floor of the café. It’s all very bleak, so no wonder Karen hasn’t been keen on sticking around the place that holds the most memories of her son.

Karen returned again last week for Keanu’s wake - and in an attempt to find out who killed her son. What she doesn’t know is that it was Linda Carter and that ‘The Six’ have covered for her. They’ve also put Dean Wicks in the frame.

But in the Friday 14 June episode, Karen came a step closer to the truth when she visited Dean in prison.

Imprisoned Dean ended up telling Karen that she needs to ask Linda why she’s been lying. Calling her a ‘basket case’, Dean alluded to the fact Linda would crack if Karen questioned her.

In the episode that aired on Monday 17 June, Karen and Bernie clashed as Karen refused to drop her suspicions of Linda and Sharon.

Poor Karen also collected Keanu’s ashes before heading to The Vic to press Linda for more information, but Linda remains firm that Dean is guilty.

Realising Walford holds too many painful memories, Karen decided to leave for good under Bernie’s advice - but fans are left wondering if this is actually the last time she’ll be on-screen.

EastEnders fans took to social media to cast their doubt over Karen’s permanent exit. One said: “Karen's off again Hope she pays another visit soon”.

Another wrote: “Karen has left the square 3 times in the past month…. #Eastenders ”.

A third committed: “Karen needs to find out the real monster that did it. The guilty six need to be exposed. #Eastenders ”.

Karen may have left, but ‘The Six’ aren’t out of the woods yet as local police officer Callum Highway begins looking into the case. In the Wednesday 19 June episode, Callum tells Sharon that he’ll be looking into the murder.

Sharon’s determined to put him off the scent and works with Jack Branning and Johnny Carter to deter him.