In a twist that no one in Walford saw coming, EastEnders is set to bid a devastating farewell to Anna Knight, whose story will end in tragedy following a horrific car crash. With Molly Rainford officially exiting the long-running BBC soap, fans are now bracing themselves for what could be one of the most emotional goodbyes the Square has seen in years. The writing has been on the wall for some time, but no one expected Anna’s exit to be so shocking — or fatal.

Rumors about Molly Rainford’s departure have been circulating for months, and now that it’s confirmed, fans have turned their attention to predicting how Anna will leave. Viewers recently spotted a potential clue during a lighthearted Queen Vic quiz night, which might have hinted at Anna’s tragic fate. What began as a simple evening of fun soon turned into the moment that sealed Anna’s destiny.

During the episode, Anna joined Elaine Peacock, Johnny Carter, and Callum Highway to take on Adam Wood’s team of Harvey Monroe and Peter Beale. Laughter filled the pub as rounds of trivia played out, but one comment stood out — Anna mentioned she was saving up for a trip to “Oz.” At first glance, it seemed like a casual line, but fans on social media instantly connected it to Molly’s upcoming departure. Many believed “Oz” was a cheeky nod to the actress’s post-EastEnders plans — or even a metaphor for her character’s exit from Walford.

One fan wrote, “Ah, there it is — Anna’s leaving story. She’s off to Oz, maybe with Freddy,” while another noted, “Is that hinting at Molly heading into the jungle?” Yet what no one expected was that Anna’s “trip” would take a darker, more permanent turn. Instead of flying off to Australia, she may be taking her final journey after a catastrophic car accident rocks the Square.

The BBC confirmed that Molly Rainford will depart EastEnders later this year, after two remarkable years as Anna Knight. A spokesperson stated, “We can confirm Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her the very best in all future endeavors.” However, inside sources claim that the decision was mutual, influenced by sweeping changes under new executive producer Ben Wadey. Rainford, who is eager to explore new projects beyond Albert Square, reportedly agreed that it was time for Anna’s story to reach its dramatic conclusion.

Since her debut, Anna has been a key part of the Knight family’s introduction to Walford. Arriving alongside her sister Gina and their father George, she helped manage the Queen Vic under the watchful eye of George’s partner, Elaine Peacock. But from the start, Anna’s world was built on secrets — especially surrounding her mother, Rose Knight. When Linda Carter and Phil Mitchell uncovered that Rose didn’t exist, Anna embarked on a desperate mission to uncover the truth, hiring a private investigator. That search led to one of EastEnders’ most explosive reveals: Rose Knight was actually Cindy Beale, living under witness protection after faking her death.

In the aftermath of that revelation, Anna’s journey took an emotional and dangerous turn. She became the center of a harrowing storyline when she was spiked at Peggy’s nightclub after a mugging, leading to a powerful and socially resonant plotline that garnered widespread praise. The show worked closely with anti-spiking organizations and charities like Stamp Out Spiking and With You to portray the issue authentically. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw explained that Anna’s story was designed to reflect the realities faced by young women across the UK — and Rainford’s performance was hailed as raw and compelling.

More recently, Anna found herself torn between two men — Bobby Beale and Freddy Slater — while struggling with a complicated pregnancy storyline. Her decision to terminate the pregnancy added emotional depth to her arc, showing her as a young woman grappling with trauma, love, and self-discovery. These layered plots made her one of the most relatable and talked-about characters in recent EastEnders history.

Now, though, all signs point to tragedy. Leaks suggest that Anna’s final scenes will center on a fatal accident that leaves Walford reeling. According to insider whispers, Anna will be seen leaving the Queen Vic late one evening after an emotional confrontation — possibly with her sister Gina or even Freddy. Distraught and distracted, she gets behind the wheel, her mind clouded by regret and heartbreak. Moments later, her car is struck head-on by an oncoming vehicle on a rain-slicked road just outside the Square. The impact is devastating.

Witnesses rush to the scene, but it’s too late — Anna’s injuries are catastrophic. The crash sends shockwaves through Walford, with Gina and George collapsing in grief as news spreads. Elaine is said to be completely shattered, blaming herself for not stopping Anna from driving off. The episode reportedly closes with the sound of sirens fading and the lights of the Queen Vic dimming, as the community gathers to mourn one of their own.

Anna’s death will not only leave her family in ruins but also spark new tensions across the Square. Freddy Slater, who is also set to leave EastEnders this year, will reportedly be consumed by guilt, believing his final argument with Anna caused her fatal distraction. His emotional collapse could set the stage for his own exit — possibly leaving Walford behind to start over elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Bobby Beale’s grief threatens to reignite his darker impulses, especially as he wrestles with unresolved feelings about their pregnancy. The ripple effect of Anna’s death will reach nearly every corner of the community, forcing the Knights to confront old secrets and testing their already fragile unity.

As if that weren’t enough drama, the backdrop of EastEnders continues to shift. Viewers were recently reminded of schedule changes affecting both EastEnders and Emmerdale, though the latter moved its broadcast to accommodate live football coverage. Despite timing adjustments, the chaos in Walford rages on — with Cat Moon, Zoe Slater, and Vicky Fowler clashing in explosive new storylines that echo the heartbreak soon to come.

In a recent BBC iPlayer early release, Zoe Slater stumbled upon a chilling, blood-smeared photograph that hinted at further darkness descending upon the Square. This eerie subplot, coupled with Anna’s looming tragedy, has fans convinced that the soap is gearing up for one of its most emotional autumns yet.

It’s the kind of heartbreak that defines EastEnders — where every departure feels like a piece of Walford itself breaking away. Anna Knight’s death will mark the end of a significant era, not just for the Knight family, but for the show’s ongoing exploration of resilience, loss, and the enduring power of community.

As Molly Rainford bows out, her legacy as Anna Knight will remain unforgettable. From her first steps into the Queen Vic to her final, devastating goodbye, she brought warmth, strength, and vulnerability to a character that audiences fell in love with. And while Walford will move on — as it always does — the ghost of Anna Knight will linger, her story forever etched into the cobblestones of Albert Square.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Viewers should prepare for the heartache ahead — because when Anna’s final episode airs, it’s bound to leave every fan in tears.