Jonny Labey didn’t want to leave ‘EastEnders’.
The 23-year-old actor’s alter-ego Paul Coker was dramatically killed off in Monday (18.07.16) night’s episode but he has admitted it wasn’t his choice to leave for good.
Speaking to the Express.co.uk, he said: "It wasn’t my choice, but I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason."
However, the curly-haired hunk – who joined the long-running soap last year to wreak havoc for Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid) – believes he still had a lot more to give and is devastated his time got cut short before he got to show off his talents.
He explained: "It’s sad as I was just getting into it and he’s [Paul] just sort of arrived and started to get interesting.
"Like any other job, it’s always about the bigger picture and all you can do, is do the part justice."
Jonny told bosses he was leaving the show a few months ago after he landed the lead part in the upcoming play ‘Verge of Strife’ at the Assembly George Square Studios during the Edinburgh Festival 2016 this August.
A spokesperson for the programme said at the time: "We can confirm Jonny will be leaving the show later this year. We wish him all the best for the future."
Meanwhile, the future of Paul’s boyfriend Ben still hangs in the balance but Lin Blakley – who plays Paul’s grandmother Pam – previously hinted that he will live after the hunk’s demise.
Since arriving on the square, Paul had his fair share of heartbreak with Ben (Harry Reid) but the pair – who previously had to keep their romance under wraps – looked like they were finally about to get their happy ever after when Ben’s dad accepted their relationship.
Jonny Labey didn’t want to quit EastEnders
