Ferreiras fired

They have been called one of the UK's dullest TV families and now Adi, Ash, Ronny, Ray and Kareena Ferreira are set to move out of Albert Square.

11:08 14 October 2004

They have been called one of the UK's dullest TV families and now Adi, Ash, Ronny, Ray and Kareena Ferreira are set to move out of Albert Square.

Along with the core of the family, half-brother Tariq Larousi and cab office blonde Sasha Perkins are also being axed.

According to a spokesman from the BBC the decision was made with the actors' support, as the characters "had run their course".

The move has been widely praised by a press that has been hostile to the family from the day they joined the soap in June 2003.

Critics savaged a long-running kidney donor storyline and EastEnders saw its audience drop to an all time low of 6.2 million on September 21st, which was lower than Emmerdale's.

The programme's makers have moved quickly to point out that none of the criticism is the fault of the actors.

"The acting ability of all of the talent has been outstanding over the past year and we would like to thank them for their professionalism and dedication to the job," said an EastEnders spokeswoman.

"We wish them all the very best of luck for the future."

Similarly, the cut cast members are reportedly upbeat.

Nabil Elouahabi, who plays Tariq, commented: "I've really enjoyed being part of the show and look forward to moving on to pastures new."

Pooja Shah, who plays Kareena, added: "I've loved being part of the show and I'm going to miss everyone involved - cast, crew and production because it's like having been part of a family."