EastEnders star struggles to get work a year after being axed - despite making show history

EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison, known for playing Felix Baker, has revealed he is struggling to secure acting work nearly a year after leaving the BBC soap opera. Despite making history as the actor behind the show's first regular drag queen character, Tara Misu, Morrison admits he faces an uncertain future in the entertainment industry. Morrison left the popular soap in 2025 after producers decided to write Felix Baker out of the storyline. Since then, he has taken on theatre roles, including a performance in Greenwich, southeast London, and participated in another stage production. However, following the recent completion of a tour, he finds himself without immediate plans for further work. In a recent interview with the Missleighdingfortunes podcast, hosted by drag performer Miss Leigh Ding, Morrison discussed his post-EastEnders experiences. He reflected on the challenges of transitioning from a well-known television role to the unpredictable world of live theatre. "I finished EastEnders and I thought you know, maybe something will come, maybe something might not come," he said. "For a lot of people who've left the show since I started, some of them have worked, some of them haven't worked." Despite initial success in securing theatre roles, Morrison now finds himself in a difficult position. After finishing a recent tour, he stated, "This is the first time since really leaving EastEnders, I finished the tour over a week ago, and I don’t have anything lined up." He described the situation as feeling like "being stood in the desert just being like what do I do next?" Morrison considered using this period of uncertainty to develop new skills, such as learning to ride a horse or mastering another accent. His comments came around a year after it was announced that EastEnders bosses had decided to end Felix Baker's tenure in Walford. At the time, a source explained that the decision was not made lightly. "It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave. Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix." Morrison joined EastEnders as part of the Baker family, which included Felix's father Avery and brother Finlay. Avery passed away shortly after the family's arrival in Walford, while Finlay, portrayed by Ashley Byam, later left the soap as well. Felix became a familiar presence behind the bar at The Albert, though his role gradually diminished before his eventual exit. His portrayal of Felix Baker marked a significant milestone for the show, particularly through his drag persona, Tara Misu. Speaking about the role after joining the soap, Morrison expressed pride in representing the LGBTQIA+ community and showcasing the art of drag to both viewers and the fictional residents of Walford. "I am blessed to have the opportunity to step into the heels of the fierce Tara Misu as part of my role on EastEnders. It’s a privilege to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and to showcase the creative art of drag to both viewers at home and the residents of Walford." Morrison's current predicament highlights the challenges faced by actors who rely heavily on their television roles for continued opportunities. As he navigates this transitional phase, the industry awaits to see how he will adapt and what new ventures he might pursue next.