Zack Morris has announced that he is leaving EastEnders after five years playing Keegan Baker.
The actor's exit comes just months after the departure of Maisie Smith, who played his on-screen wife Tiffany Butcher-Baker.
In a statement, the 23-year-old said: "After five beautiful years on this incredible show, I have made the tough decision to leave Walford and give Keegan Butcher-Baker some well-earned rest.
"This show has quite frankly changed my life for the better. It will always hold a real loving place in my heart.
"The cast and crew of this show deserve every accolade that comes their way. The hard work, love and dedication that goes into making four episodes a week is immense and it's not to be taken lightly.
"This show has given me so much, not just as an actor but as a man. These invaluable lessons I have learned at EastEnders will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"I will forever see this whole experience as the biggest blessing I could have ever asked for. I loved every second."
The BBC's head of continuing drama Kate Oates said: "Zack has been an incredible asset to EastEnders; not just as a brilliant actor, but as an amazing company member.
"As a founder member of the Taylor-Bakers, Zack has shone in important narratives such as the knife crime story; he's broken hearts with his beautiful relationship with Tiffany Butcher; and is soon to take centre stage again as his sister's killer is unmasked.
"We will miss Keegan from our screens, and Zack from our Elstree family. He's a great talent, and we wish him well for the future."
Morris is already said to have filmed his final scenes, suggesting that his exit could play out around Easter time - and at present it is unknown whether Keegan will be killed off or if the door has been left open for a future return.
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