EastEnders star Maisie Smith has finally broken her silence on a potential return to her iconic role as ‘Tiffany Butcher’. The popular actress officially addressed a future comeback after she left the show to perform in major live theatre productions.
Elsewhere, she currently enjoys playing different characters. But still hears fans shout her famous “NFI” catchphrase during nights out. Meanwhile, here is how the soap star revealed her career plans.
Why Did Maisie Smith Leave EastEnders?
Maisie has opened up about her time playing Tiffany Buthver on the BBC soap and the reason behind her departure. The actress is incredibly thankful for the memorable moments, viral memes and friendship created during her stay. However, she has ruled out a return to the soap for the immediate future.
During her time, Tiffany was at the centre of major dramatic plots, including a drug smuggling ring and her marriage to Keegan Baker. However, four years ago her deep passion for live performances was the reason for her departure from the show.
Maisie added, “I ultimately decided to leave EE because as much as I loved playing Tiffany and I loved the family that was there, I was itching to get on the stage.” Fortunately, her bold career move ‘paid off’ as she got major theatre roles like Marge in The Talented Mr Ripley, Ben in The War of the Worlds. She also got the lead role in Strictly Ballroom the Musical.
Now, because of her packed schedule, an immediate return to the square is off the cards. She added, “I can’t think I’d say yes right now because of what I’ve got coming up.” However, a future comeback is possible since the show will be around forever.
Iconic Catchphrases Create Lasting Internet Memes
It’s been a long time since she left the soap, but fans still shout a famous line from a 2010 birthday party dispute. The scene was where Tiffany Butcher told a young Dotty Cotton that she was “not flipping invited.”
And the actress hears it constantly during normal nights out, “It’s so bizarre. It’s probably one of the most common things that people say to me, like when I have interactions in the street on a night out.”
For Maisie, this sudden popularity of the phrase felt completely unexpected. Maisie said, “I dont even know when it kind of became a thing, really, just overnight. Suddenly thats the girl that says, ‘you are NFI.’
Meanwhile, do you miss Tiffany Butcher and want her back on the Square? Let us know in the comments section. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.