Vanessa and Darren to leave 'EastEnders'

EastEnders stars Zöe Lucker and Charlie G. Hawkins are to bow out from the soap later this year, Digital Spy can confirm.

The pair, who play Vanessa Gold and Darren Miller on the BBC show, will film their final scenes in the coming months ahead of on-screen exits in the summer.

Vanessa has been tipped for an explosive departure storyline as her stint as Max Branning's latest love interest comes to a close, while details of how Darren's seven-year stay in Albert Square will end have yet to be revealed.

Confirming Lucker's departure, a show spokesperson told DS: "Zöe was brought into EastEnders for a storyline playing Max's love interest and will go out with a bang. Zöe has done a fabulous job of bringing the character of Vanessa to life and the door has been left wide open for her return."

A Walford insider added: "Vanessa has proved to be a popular character and although her exit storyline will be explosive, there is every belief that she may return to the Square in the future."


Meanwhile, in a statement released confirming his decision to depart, Hawkins thanked the EastEnders team and executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.

The 20-year-old commented: "I've enjoyed my time at EastEnders immensely, it's been a terrific chapter in my life and I've loved every minute of it.

"I've had tremendous support throughout my duration on the show and I would like to thank Bryan and the whole team for believing in me."

Lucker, previously best known for her role as superbitch Tanya Turner in Footballers' Wives, has been with EastEnders for a year, while Hawkins has been part of the cast since late 2004.

DS can also confirm that Kylie Babbington, who plays ditzy Jodie Gold, is sticking with the soap despite the departures of her on-screen mum and boyfriend.

That's a shame actually, I like both of these characters although I think Vanessa has had weak storylines. She could have been alot better but it's always got to be about Max and Tanya! I like Darren too.

I've warmed to both of them. Funny that Jodie is staying though. But it could work. She is funny. (although not as funny as Honey was)

They are not the worst characters shame they are leaving

Charlie G. Hawkins has quit 'EastEnders'.

The 20-year-old actor - who plays wheeler-dealer car salesman Darren Miller - has decided to depart the BBC1 soap after over seven years so he can "chill out" and relax into normal life.

He told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "I was to chill out and enjoy being a normal 20 year old.

"It is a very weird feeling to know I won't be on the show in a few months.

"To be honest, I can barely remember life before 'EastEnders'. It will be great having no structure to my life and not having to learn lines. I'm really looking forward to that.

"I've got some savings so I might end up just bumming around for a while. All I spend my money on is an Arsenal season ticket so I could last quite a long time."

While details of Darren's exit storyline have not been disclosed, Charlie has asked for the door to be left open for his character to return in the future.

Charlie's decision to quit the programme comes just weeks after he spoke of his desire to become the show's longest serving actor and eclipse Adam Woodyatt, who has played Maserati-driving businessman Ian Beale since the show began in February 1985.

Charlie said: "I've been on 'EastEnders' for eight years already and I'm only 20.

"You could say I have got my eyes on the Maserati."

(C) BANG Media International

Charlie is silly to think about bummy around as he calls it for a while. He would be etter looking for other acting roles because if he leaves it too long he will join the rest of has-been soap stars on endless reality tv shows. Look at his on screen big brother for starters.

Zöe Lucker has promised that there are exciting times ahead for her EastEnders character Vanessa Gold before she makes her departure from Walford.

Bosses at the soap recently announced that Vanessa will be leaving Albert Square in an "explosive" exit storyline later this year.

Speaking on Loose Women today, Lucker confirmed that she is pleased with the plans in store for her alter ego, who first appeared on screen in June 2010.

Asked whether viewers have not yet seen the "full force" of Vanessa, the star replied: "Yeah, definitely. There's so much to come. I was only supposed to go in for seven eps originally, and that relationship with Max was then supposed to facilitate Tanya and Max getting back together again.

"I think because they quite liked the relationship between Max and Vanessa, they then carried it out and carried it out."

Lucker revealed that Vanessa already suspects Max still has feelings for Tanya, who is now married to builder Greg Jessop.

The actress said: "She's savvy and she does know what's going on. The sad thing, the tragic thing about the character is that she realises there's not really anywhere else for her to go.

"She left everything to be with Max and now she's here, she moved away from this mansion, she's living in Albert Square and because she is devoted to Max and really in love with him, she's got to put up with it, really."

"I'm there until autumn time, so I've got lots and lots of really good stuff to film before the departure," she added. "I'm looking forward to it."

Producers have confirmed that Lucker's on-screen daughter Kylie Babbington (Jodie) will be sticking with EastEnders for the foreseeable future.

^ Catfight with Tanya

I quite like Vanessa but I'm not so bothered about Darren. I don't see Jodie lasting long without them on screen.

EastEnders star Kylie Babbington has promised that her character Jodie Gold will still have reasons to stay in Walford following the departures of her on-screen mum and boyfriend.

Last month, it was announced that Vanessa Gold and Darren Miller - played by Zöe Lucker and Charlie G. Hawkins respectively - will both be leaving the soap later this year.

However, speaking on This Morning today, Babbington explained that Jodie will still have a place on Albert Square for the foreseeable future.

She teased: "I'll be staying on the Square. There's reasons for me to stay, but that can't be revealed yet."

Asked whether there could be a new love interest for Jodie on the horizon, she replied: "We'll see, won't we?"

Babbington also confirmed that Jodie's ditzy friend Poppy Meadow will be making a return in the coming weeks. Poppy previously appeared in two episodes back in January.

"She's just come back and I've been filming some stuff with her, which is lovely - some quite comical stuff," Babbington said.

Hawkins, who was also interviewed on the morning show, said that he will be filming at EastEnders for another three months.

Asked about his departure storyline, he said: "I'm waiting to be told. I'm quite excited to find out! Hopefully I'll find out next week."