Danny Dyer has quit his role as Mick Carter on EastEnders after more than eight years, it has been confirmed tonight.
The 44-year-old will bow out of the soap later this year when his current contract comes to an end and is said to have signed a deal to star in a new drama series for Sky.
"Danny loves EastEnders but as an actor he feels the time is right to explore other roles. He's incredibly grateful to the show and the opportunities it has given him," a source told The Mirror.
"It wasn't a decision he took lightly but after playing Mick for nearly nine years he feels it's time to give the character of Mick a rest.
"He's not sure how they are going to write him out yet but he's hoping that they leave the door open for Mick."
An EastEnders spokesman said: "Danny will be leaving EastEnders when his contract comes to an end later this year.
"Danny has made Mick Carter an iconic character which we shall always be grateful for, however we won't be saying goodbye just yet as there's still quite some time – and plenty of explosive drama for Mick – to come before he departs Walford."
The BBC has yet to confirm whether Dyer's exit from EastEnders will also see him step down as host of gameshow The Wall.
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