Karen Taylor (EastEnders)

In-universe information
In-universe information
Occupation	Cleaner; Laundrette assistant;
Mother	Hazel Taylor
Sisters	Kandice Taylor
Sons	Keanu Taylor; Keegan Baker; Riley Taylor; Chatham Taylor;
Daughters	Chantelle Atkins; Bernadette Taylor;
Grandsons	Mackenzie Atkins; Roland Highway;
Granddaughters	Mia Atkins; Peggy Taylor;
Nieces	Princess
First cousins	Maggie Taylor

Karen Taylor
Karen Taylor
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Lorraine Stanley
Duration	2017–2024
First appearance	Episode 5511; 15 June 2017
Last appearance	Episode 6926; 17 June 2024
Classification	Former; regular
Created by	Daran Little
Introduced by	Sean O'Connor (2017); Chris Clenshaw (2024);
Occupation	Cleaner; Laundrette assistant;
In-universe information
Occupation	Cleaner; Laundrette assistant;
Mother	Hazel Taylor
Sisters	Kandice Taylor
Sons	Keanu Taylor; Keegan Baker; Riley Taylor; Chatham Taylor;
Daughters	Chantelle Atkins; Bernadette Taylor;
Grandsons	Mackenzie Atkins; Roland Highway;
Granddaughters	Mia Atkins; Peggy Taylor;
Nieces	Princess
First cousins	Maggie Taylor

Karen Taylor is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lorraine Stanley. She was introduced in episode 5511, broadcast on 15 June 2017, as the matriarch of the Taylor family. She arrived alongside her children Keanu (Danny Walters), Keegan (Zack Morris), Bernadette (Clair Norris), Riley (Tom Jacobs), and Chatham (Alfie Jacobs), and is later revealed to be the mother of then off-screen character Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer). She is described as loud and fierce, yet kind-hearted and loyal. In her time on the show, her storylines focused on her financial struggles and her dedication to her family, family bereavements, feuds with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), and a relationship with Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

In July 2023, it was announced that Stanley had been axed from the soap by executive producer Chris Clenshaw, with her departure being broadcast in episode 6816, which aired on 8 December 2023. Karen briefly returns for a short stint between 5 and 8 February 2024, and for two episodes broadcast on 13 and 17 June 2024.

This was the third role Stanley had portrayed on EastEnders, having played Mo Harris in the 2004 spin-off special EastEnders: Pat & Mo and pub landlady Thelma Bragg in 2016.^[2] Stanley's portrayal of Karen has received a positive response from audience and critics, with Stanley winning Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards in 2018.^[3]

^ Knight, Lewis (8 December 2023). "EastEnders airs multiple surprise exits in early BBC iPlayer release". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
^ Cite error: The named reference Written was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/soaps/eastenders-star-lorraine-stanleys-wins-best-newcomer-at-the-british-soap-awards/vp-AAy9eiD

[Airs-1] Knight, Lewis (8 December 2023). "EastEnders airs multiple surprise exits in early BBC iPlayer release". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.

[Written-2] Cite error: The named reference Written was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[3] ttps://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/soaps/eastenders-star-lorraine-stanleys-wins-best-newcomer-at-the-british-soap-awards/vp-AAy9eiD

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