After seven years of fiery showdowns, heartbreaking losses, and unforgettable drama in Albert Square, Lorraine Stanley—better known to EastEnders fans as Karen Taylor—has no immediate plans to return to Walford. And the reason isn’t scripted or sensational. It’s personal.

In an emotional interview with The Mirror, Stanley opened up about stepping away from the soap that defined a significant chapter of her acting career. “Maybe—I mean, they didn’t kill me off,” she joked, referencing her character’s unresolved exit. “But right now, I wouldn’t. I’m enjoying spending time with my daughter Nancy.”

The TV star, who exited EastEnders in June 2024, made it clear that motherhood is her top priority at the moment. After years of tight filming schedules and dramatic storylines, Stanley is savoring a quieter life filled with skateboarding lessons, piano practice, and simple joys that had been long delayed. “On EastEnders, I missed a lot of milestones,” she admitted. “Now I’m like her personal taxi driver—and I love it.”

Lorraine’s last scenes as Karen were marked by overwhelming grief. Following the brutal death of her on-screen son Keanu Taylor (played by Danny Walters), Karen returned from Spain to attend his funeral. The storyline took a sinister twist when Karen mistakenly believed Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) was the killer. Unbeknownst to her, it was actually Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) who had taken Keanu’s life. Encouraged by her daughter Bernie to protect her mental health, Karen ultimately left Walford once again.

Since leaving EastEnders, Stanley hasn’t ruled out acting entirely—but she’s not rushing back into the spotlight either. “I’ve gone for a few auditions. I haven’t got anything yet, but I will. And if I don’t, I don’t mind that either,” she shared. “I’m so happy being a mum.”

But while her on-screen character continues to haunt the edges of Walford’s landscape—her departure still fresh in the minds of fans—Lorraine has been focused on something entirely different: her real-life wedding. After 12 years with partner Mark Perez, Stanley is finally preparing to say “I do.”

The couple is planning a down-to-earth but heartfelt celebration in Hertfordshire. The ceremony will be held in a church, followed by a reception that promises to be as warm and genuine as the actress herself—complete with a pub gathering, teepee setup, and barbecue. Their daughter Nancy will serve as flower girl, and EastEnders co-star Danny Walters is already confirmed on the guest list.

Reflecting on her time with the long-running soap, Stanley previously told Digital Spy that leaving was a bittersweet but freeing experience. “I was in EastEnders for seven years and it becomes like any job,” she said. “I loved the people and I loved the job while I was there. But then you come away from it going: ‘Oh, actually, the doors are open now to do whatever I want’. So it’s a nice feeling, being free.”

That freedom has given her the space to redefine success—not by screen time, but by time spent with her daughter, her partner, and the life she’s building outside of Walford.

Still, for fans who miss Karen’s sharp tongue and big-hearted chaos, the door isn’t completely closed. “Maybe,” Stanley teases again. “They didn’t kill me off.”

So could Karen Taylor ever make a dramatic return to EastEnders? With Linda still hiding the truth about Keanu’s death and the Taylor family fractured, there’s no shortage of potential storylines to bring her back. But for now, Lorraine Stanley is embracing a different kind of role—the one that comes with school runs, Sunday lunches, and helping a little girl tie her shoes before piano practice.

And that, it seems, is more than enough.