Ainsworth, who plays downtrodden Little Mo in the BBC One soap, was reported to have been more than two months' pregnant with her first child.

A BBC spokesman confirmed the news, but neither the channel nor Ainsworth's agent would make any further comment.

Ainsworth has won a clutch of awards

BBC bosses said she had been planning to stay in the soap during her pregnancy.

EastEnders scriptwriters were reported to be planning an "explosive" storyline based around the pregnancy.

Ainsworth, 32, and her fiance Darren Hales were said to be devastated by the miscarriage and the actress has reportedly been given compassionate leave from the show.

Harrowing

The role of Little Mo has won Ainsworth an army of fans - and a clutch of awards.

Four awards have come her way this year alone.

Ainsworth triumphed at the British Soap Awards in May, coming away with the best actress award for her harrowing scenes as a battered wife.

Co-star Alex Ferns, who played her abusive husband, Trevor, also won awards in the best newcomer and best villain of the year categories.

Further success followed for Ainsworth at the 2002 TV Quick Awards in September, when she again picked up the best actress award.

EastEnders swept the board at the awards, winning the best storyline gong for the Little Mo domestic violence plot as well as the best soap and best soap newcomer trophies.

Ainsworth picked up another best actress award at the Inside Soap Awards as well as a most popular actress gong at the National Television Awards.