Soap star Emma Barton is currently wowing viewers with her dance routines on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing alongside pro dancer Anton du Beke. Heading into Halloween Week on Saturday, October 26, Barton is yet to find herself in the bottom two and it doesn’t look like she’ll be leaving the contest any time soon. However, her time on a different BBC show, EastEnders, was cut short in 2008 when the actress said goodbye to the role of Honey Mitchell.
Why did Emma Barton leave EastEnders?
Barton’s first departure from the BBC soap came over 10 years ago.
After debuting on EastEnders in 2005, Barton said her goodbyes three years later.
However, this wasn’t the last fans saw of Honey Mitchell.
Barton decided to make a return to EastEnders, albeit briefly, in 2014 before returning for good the following year.
DON’T MISS:
Catherine Tyldesley’s Strictly partner Johannes ’pushed to the limit’
Kevin Clifton: Anton Du Beke rejects Strictly co-star’s offer
She’s been a mainstay in the cast ever since, racking up over 500 appearances.
Her untimely exit in 2008 wasn’t down to her decision to leave the soap, however.
Honey’s departure was down to writing decisions by the executive producer at the time, according to the actress.
In an interview with the Sheffield Telegraph in 2009, Barton discussed exactly why she first left EastEnders.
DON’T MISS:
Strictly Come Dancing partners 2019: Who are the Strictly couples?
Strictly Come Dancing judges salaries: How much are judges paid?
She said: “I came to the end of my contract and the executive producer decided there wasn’t much more to do with the character of Honey.”
However, Barton did say the decision to have Honey leave did have its benefits.
The Strictly star added: “I think having to leave was a blessing in disguise rather than playing a part that couldn’t do much more and running the risk of getting tied to it.
“I am a great believer that everything is meant to be for a reason and I am grateful for what I am doing now.”
DON’T MISS:
Emma Barton boyfriend: Her SECRET love life and romances
Strictly 2019: Craig Revel Horwood BOOED for Emma Barton comment
Following her character’s exit, Barton went on to perform in stage show Chicago.
She also racked up acting credits in BBC soap Doctors, thriller Who Needs Enemies and TV series You, Me & Them in the time between her EastEnders stints.
With Barton now cemented as main member of the cast, she’s assured fans Honey won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Discussing the possibility of a soap exit because of Strictly, Barton said: “I am going to have to juggle filming EastEnders as well as Strictly at the moment,
“I’ll manage both as I’m a hard worker. Honey’s not going anywhere; she’s just swapping the tabard for a bit of sparkle for now.”
Fans can continue to see if Barton will make it all the way to the Strictly final as the contest continues every Saturday.
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 continues on Saturday on BBC One.
Source: Read Full Article
