Letitia time out angers Enders

Bosses at EastEnders have come under fire from their cast members today after they were informed that co-star Letitia Dean appears to be receiving pre

13:01 26 August 2005

Bosses at EastEnders have come under fire from their cast members today after they claimed that co-star Letitia Dean is receiving preferential treatment.

The 37-year-old actress who plays terracotta Sharon in the soap is being allowed to leave the show for an indefinite period again, while the door is left open for her to return as she pleases.

This has angered her co-stars, who were already miffed that the returning Steve McFadden, who plays ginger hunk of gristle, Phil Mitchell, was allowed to do panto.

An insider told the Daily Star: "There is a definite air of resentment about Letitia seemingly being allowed to just come and go as she pleases.

"Once again she will be taking an extended break, just as she has done before.

"It seems like there's one rule for her and one for the rest," the source added.

Three years ago Shaun Williamson, who played the hapless Barry Evans on the Square, had to quit the show after being forced to choose between doing panto or the soap.

Last time spoilt Letitia came back to the soap, her return was scheduled around her panto commitments.

The actress will leave the show in the new year, but will probably be back sometime in the future. She'll let you know.