Roger Sloman and Lin Blakley are leaving ‘EastEnders’.
The couple – who play cross-dressing funeral boss Les Coker and his on-screen wife Pam – are to exit Walford later this year after show bosses decided their characters’ storylines have run their course.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Pam and Les have been a big part of the show over the past few months and with their current storyline, bosses felt that it was the right time for their characters to leave the Square.
"There is still plenty more drama to come from the Cokers before they leave Walford."
The decision not to renew their contracts is the first change made by the soap’s new executive producer Sean O’Connor, who previously worked on radio soap ‘The Archers’.
Though it hasn’t yet been revealed how the pair will leave Albert Square, their current storyline has seen them trying to come to terms with the death of their grandson Paul (Jonny Labey), after he was murdered in a homophobic attack.
Pam has been unable to leave Paul’s room and told her spouse she wants to leave Walford, while Les is trying to give up his female alter ego Christine.
A show spokesperson confirmed the departure of the two cast members.
They said: "We can confirm that Roger and Lin will be leaving EastEnders later this year.
"They have been a pleasure to work with and we wish them all the best for the future."
After Jonny’s character was killed off earlier this month, the actor admitted it hadn’t been his decision to leave the show.
He said: "It wasn’t my choice, but I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason."
EastEnders axe Pam and Les Coker
