EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison today released a short statement about her forthcoming departure from the soap on the official BBC website.

Last week, it was confirmed that the actress's character Heather Trott will bow out from the show in early 2012.

Speaking of her exit for the first time, Fergison commented: "I've had a wonderful time at EastEnders, it's been a privilege to be part of such an amazing programme and working alongside a fantastic group of people.

"I'm really excited about exploring new opportunities."

The official site says that details of Heather's final storyline are being kept under wraps. However, it was previously reported that she will leave "in dramatic circumstances".

Heather was initially introduced to EastEnders in June 2007 as a guest, but she was later upgraded to a Walford regular.