EastEnders' Tameka Empson AKA Kim Fox is leaving the soap

She's been on the show for 10 years!

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 16th Jul 2019

EastEnders actress Tameka Empson is reportedly leaving the soap after starring as Kim Fox for 10 years. Tameka, who joined the soap in 2009 as established character Denise Fox's sister, played by Diane Parish, will be "taking a break" from the soap.

Apparently Kim, who has often been viewed as one of the best comical characters on the soap, will announce her plans to her sister in episodes due to air on Tuesday next week.

According to programme information about the soap, Kim will "drop a bombshell" on Denise and announce plans to leave Walford in order to move to Scotland for a new job - and this will lead to the sisters "burying the hatchet".

Swipe through to see all the EastEnders spoilers you need to know for next week...

The week begins with Sonia planning a results party for Bex Fowler. It gives Kush Kazemi and Martin Fowler the idea to invite Stacey and set a trap for her and Kat Moon to make amends. Unfortunately, things don't go according to plan and Kat is left feeling crushed.

Following a conversation with Ruby, Stacey suggests having a romantic meal with Martin after giving him a hard time at Bex's party. Later on when she spots Max she gives him some stern advice however when he injures himself on a broken picture frame, she's horrified by what she finds…

As Max breaks down, Stacey ignores Marin's calls. When she finally speaks to her husband, she's stunned by how understanding he is when she reveals she can't make dinner.


Stacey then checks on Max again and he makes a shocking admission… They're unaware that Martin is glaring at Max's house from across The Square.

The next day Stacey panics when she wakes up at Max's house and quickly rushes home. Stacey is then given food for thought about Max during a conversation with Kathy Beale.


She promises to make it up to Martin by having another meal. He's full of suspicion and is determined to get answers.

When he arrives home he changes his mind but is furious when he discovers Stacey's cooked extra food for Max.


Later, Stacey heads over to Max's with the food but she's stunned to discover Ruby there…

Lola Pearce helps Ruby out when she begins to panic about a date later that day. Things don't go well for Ruby on her date and things get even worse when she struggles with her work accounts.

Luckily, Max is around and manages to help her out. Ruby is impressed and it's not long before she sees him in a new light…

Ruby is then confused by Stacey's reaction when she spots her hanging out with Max. When Max explains their history (that infamous affair that ended on Christmas day), Ruby feels awkward and leaves.

Meanwhile on the Square, Whitney Dean is alarmed when Tiffany reveals she's moving back to Milton Keynes. While Whit tries to persuade her sister to stay, Tiff is adamant that it's for the best.

After a conversation from Bex, Tiffany tries to make things right with Keegan Baker but his reaction convinces her further that she needs to leave.

Sonia Fowler is determined to give Tiff a proper send-off and arranges a picnic. When Whitney spots Keegan in the café she invites him along but his response yet again leaves Tiff gutted.

Keegan prepares for a day at Gray's office and get inspired by one of his brother-in-law's colleagues. Back on the Square, Gray tries to encourage Keegan to speak to Tiff but he bottles telling her how he really feels…

Soon after, Keegan reveals to his family that he's quitting school and after Mitch berates him, he remains defiant. It soon becomes clear that Gray inspired his decision and Mitch rushes over to his and all hell breaks loose.


A furious Mitch goes head to head with Gray and after the two men hurl insults at each other, things quickly become physical and they come to blows…

Meanwhile a devastated Tiffany throws the present she brought Keegan and Bernadette in the bin. Later on, Bernadette and Bailey Baker sneak upstairs to her room and it's there that they discover Tiffany's present.

Bernadette begs Keegan to stop Tiffany from leaving and manages to get through to him because not long after he's rushing after to stop her from getting on the train. At the station, Keegan pours his heart out and reveal all – but what will Tiffany do?

Also at the Taylor household, Chantelle Atkins, Mitch Baker and Bailey wonder what Karen's 'important news' is. After for lunch at Karen, they're not prepared for her announcement.

Later in the week, Karen revels in her new relationship – much to the surprise of some of the residents. Bailey is also on a mission to make Walford recycle more.

Over to the Beale household and Kathy and Ian Beale are keen to celebrate Bobby's birthday.


When the teenager receives a gift from a friend, their interest is piqued. Bobby is keen to have no fuss and ends up leaving… Later on, Ian is left concerned by Bobby's distracted behaviour.

Stuart Highway overhears Jack Branning talking about the trouble he's currently in and hatches a plan – what is he up to?

Kim Fox drops a huge bombshell on her sister Denise – she's leaving Walford behind for a new job in Scotland. Following the revelation, the sisters decide to bury the hatchets.

Louise struggles at school when her friends mock her for being pregnant but Mel Owen – who spots the commotion – comes to the rescue and offers her support.


Mel and Louise plan a day out but when Hunter's mum senses something is not right, the teenager opens up about what's really going on – her mum Lisa Fowler is unaware of her pregnancy.

Over at the café, Phil gives Ben a hard time about his recent behaviour which results in him storming out. Later on, Phil tries to make things right by giving him an old boxing trophy.


Ben's happiness is short lived when he spots his dad and interrupts a meeting with Shirley Carter…

Shirley reveals to Mick and Linda that she's quitting her job at The Vic. While Linda is ecstatic, Mick warns his mum to keep any dodgy business away from the pub.

Tameka herself has not yet confirmed whether this will be a short break from the soap or a rather longer one, but fans have taken to Twitter to express their sadness at the prospect of any break from Kim.

One wrote, 'Shame. One of the more entertaining characters', whilst another added, 'No! Sad news, she brought a bit of humour into the show', and one other wrote, 'Kim has lost her mojo since Vincent disappeared. The #Eastenders writers should have given her another love interest and a proper job. She is a great character and funnier than most comediennes and will be missed by me and many other viewers', and one other hoped that it would not be 'for good'.

We have contacted representatives for EastEnders for a comment.

EastEnders airs on Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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