Ellen Thomas has signed up to do a play in London. The press release states how she used to appear in the program.

See it here for yourself.

http://www.westendframe.com/2016/09/casting-announced-for-premiere-of-hotel.html?m=1

I don't think it necessarily counts as a departure until it's announced. It is only a limited run, after all, and Claudette is the type of character who can dip in and out of Walford. However I think it would be the correct decision for her to leave permanently. It doesn't sit right with me that she admitted to cold-blooded murder, and reveled in taunting her son over it, and is now involved in some kind of salsa romcom alternative universe with Patrick, another person who saw how evil she was but who hasn't acknowledged that since his role in burying her.

Basically, even though I have a soft spot for Ellen Thomas, I think Claudette's character sums up a lot of what went wrong with DTC's era. It's such a shame that they didn't just bring her in as a foster mum with a bit of an edge, and not a murderer.

It might just be badly worded The play only runs a couple of weeks so its possible she was given time off.

I like Ellen Thomas and hope she isn't leaving, but agree with others that the character suffered immediately from DTC's sensationalism.

Why on earth did they make her a murderer? If she is leaving, I can see why SOC made that decision.

They effectively killed the character when they turned her into a cold-blooded murderer. And to make matters worse, she is now dating the man who helped cover up her 'death'. WTF


Absolutely. I think she is a great character but, and I hate this phrase, she has been ruined.

It'd be a real shame if Claudette does leave! She has a lot of potential but I do agree with the above, she should never have been made to be a murderer. The backstory of her living on the square originally started off interesting but got turned into this OTT mess.

I really wish SOC could change the storyline somehow. Claudette was protecting one of her original foster children after they killed Henry?

Claudette is a good character- I wouldn't want her to leave.

I hope not! first Les and Pam, now Claudette

Nor me. I was looking forward to Claudette vs Cora.

Hope shes just going on a break

Meh, I was excited when they announced they were bringing Ellen Thomas back as a new character because I thought she was wasted as Grace but the writing for the character has been appalling. She's a bit like Marnie in Hollyoaks, it's hard to make her a 'love to hate' character because she just has no redeeming qualities whatsoever

I still think we will see some Claudette and Cora scenes.

Claudette is such fun, but if she is departing, it won't have a massive impact.

I'm hoping they re-write it as well.

Maybe Henry was abusing children in her care, and she accidently killed him? But couldn't live with her grief regardless so told Vincent that Eric Mitchell did it etc...

I forgot the ridiculous burying alive stuff as well. God DTC was awful.

I agree with Elly. They could have brought her in as an Aunt Sal type character. Im not sure Ellen was willing to commit full time, she seems to like the variety her career has given her.

She is starring in Mount Pleasant on SKY ONE along with Sam Womack so both do this during short breaks

Even if that was true (although why did she seemingly take so much pleasure in taunting Vincent? And why not just tell him the truth?), she was also responsible for Fatboy's death. She was written as a psychopath during this period and it simply isn't believable that they're now trying to sell her as a harmless granny type. What's even less believable is that Donna, Vincent and Patrick have all forgiven her when they know what she's capable of.

It is such a shame because she could have been brilliant but I'd support SOC if he decided he couldn't take her character any further. Like Ronnie, I think she's a spent force.

I'm hoping Claudette will run into Grace and we get some sort of Orphan Black human clone type storyline.

I hope it's only a break because I have a soft spot for Claudette and she's one of DTC's best characters, in my opinion. I admire her friendship with Les and Pam but I wouldn't blame O'Connor if he decides not to renew Ellen's contract because Claudette committed a serious crime years ago.. I don't listen to The Archers but I heard raving reviews about Helen and Rob's domestic abuse storyline and it was O'Connor's final episodes and many were pleased with the outcome of Helen's trial. My point is Claudette could be on her way out if O'Connor isn't a fan of criminals.

A murderer that should be locked up for a very long time. Hasn't even mentioned poor Mercy once either.

She's one of DTC's many remnants of the 80s and would be no big loss.

Thanks.

She's definitely been a decent character

I love Claudette! I really hope that, as the play is only 2 weeks, then it'll just be a break.

and she helped kill Mercy's bezza mate Fatboy.

Anyone involved in the 80's rewrite should be written out immediately. They should then send Phil back in time to correct history.

well she disappeared off to do mount pleasant this year.

to be fair you wouldnt notice much if she dropped to recurring esp once the cokers have gone.

old mother hubbard clearly doesn't want to live in that shoe making ends meet anymore

You'll all be sorry for wanting the murderer to stay... Don't be coming to J-B and I with your sob stories when you all end up regretting it.

Our children are not safe... Our children's children are not safe... not whilst Claudette is walking free.