EastEnders star Zack Morris reveals real reason why he ‘needed to leave’ the soap

EastEnders star Zack Morris has revealed the real reason why he needed to leave the soap following his departure last year. 

The actor, 24, who was best known for his role as Keegan Baker on the soap, opened up about his decision to quit on Saturday, after five years on the programme. 

He explained that EastEnders was the perfect ‘training ground’ and great ‘exposure’ for future projects.

Speaking to RTÉ.ie, Zack explained: ‘It was definitely not an overnight decision. I had the backing of my team – my UK agent and my US management. We had a lot of talks about when was the right time.

‘Ultimately, EastEnders was the perfect training ground for myself.’

On screen: The actor who was best known for his role as Keegan Baker on the soap, opened up about his decision to quit on Saturday, after five years on the programme

He added: ‘It was the perfect place for me to gain exposure in the industry, and also get a feel, essentially, for what every little part of the industry was going to be – be that working on set long hours, be that script changes, the everyday life of a working actor, dealing with the media, being in the limelight. All that stuff that’s valuable going forward.’

Last year, Zack revealed he was leaving the hit soap, after five years on Albert Square, after having already filmed his final scenes on the show.

The news was announced via the EastEnders official social media, with the BBC drama noting Keegan will depart Walford later this year.

 ‘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’ said Zack.

All may not be lost, as the actor doesn’t seem to have ruled out a return for his character – defining the departure as a ‘rest’. 

Zack joined the show in 2017 as one part of a new family to the fictional borough – becoming a fan favourite with his hard-hitting storylines.

His departure came just months after co-star and his on-screen wife Maisie Smith also announced her exit from EastEnders, after 13 years on the show.

Shock exit! Last year, Zack revealed he was leaving the hit soap, after five years on Albert Square, after having already filmed his final scenes on the show.

The pair shut down real-life dating rumours, with Zack’s ex-girlfriend reportedly calling Maisie ‘the other woman’. 

Maisie, who played Tiffany Butcher on the show, reportedly left after getting a number of big money offers for other projects – following her stint on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Kate Oates, Head of Continuing Drama, BBC Studios said of Zack’s exit: ‘Zack has been an incredible asset to EastEnders; not just as a brilliant actor, but as an amazing company member.’

‘We will miss Keegan from our screens, and Zack from our Elstree family. He’s a great talent, and we wish him well for the future.’