EastEnders fans will have to say goodbye to one of their favourite characters next year, when Mick Carter leaves Walford.
It’s been revealed that actor Danny Dyer, who has played Mick since 2013, is leaving the show for an unmissable theatre role opposite Hobbit actor Martin Freeman.
But, don’t worry, the departure is only temporary.
What’s On Stage revealed that Danny will be joining a stage production by The Jamie Lloyd Company to present a complete collection of one-act plays by Harold Pinter.
He will appear in The Dumb Waiter and A Slight Ache alongside Sherlock star Martin Freeman, with the play running from 31 January until 23 February 2019 at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.
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A Slight Ache sees a mysterious figure enter a country home, while The Dumb Waiter charts the exploits of two hit-men, Gus and Ben.
The storylines wouldn’t be out of place in Albert Square!
Also taking part in the season will be Tamsin Greig, David Suchet, Jane Horrocks and Celia Imrie.
Danny’s hiatus hasn’t been confirmed by the BBC soap yet, nor has the way he’ll be written out.
An insider told The Sun: “Danny will need to take at least a month and a half away from the soap.
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“He needs to spend a considerable amount of time in rehearsals and on stage so it only makes sense to give him a break from filming.
“He’s a huge part of the show and viewers love him so obviously nobody wants to see him away for too long.
“But this is something he’s really passionate about.”
Danny became a close friend and protégé of playwright Harold Pinter after appearing in his debut production of social satire, Celebration, in 2000.
Harold passed away eight years later in 2008.
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