Adam Woodyatt is taking an extended break from ‘EastEnders’.
The 52-year-old actor’s alter-ego Ian Beale won’t be seen on screen for around 10 weeks after the show returns following a break due to the Covid-19 pandemic and an "explosive twist" will lead to his departure.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "Writers are staying tight-lipped about what happens, so it’s not known yet what the future will hold for the character. There are no guarantees and anything can happen in Albert Square."
"It will be strange for viewers not to have Ian on screen for such a long time. But it will be nice for Adam to have some time out after working on the show for so long."
Meanwhile, Adam previously revealed he has no problem with being short with fans who are rude to him.
He said: "I’m not a showy person. I try to avoid attention. I’m not your typical luvvie, so I tend to get a quieter time.
"During the 80s, through to the mid-90s, people did think you were the character and that was it. That has changed for the better. Now, everybody wants a selfie.
"If I’m having a meal, I’ll ask someone to wait until I’ve finished eating. At this point it usually turns to, ‘You’re just like your character, you’re rude’.
"Actually no, you’re the one who is being rude. You’ve come up and interrupted somebody while they’re in the middle of doing something.
"Have some patience. Have some manners. If anyone is being rude, you are."