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Chucky Venn has been written out of the soap.
The actor has been appearing as Ray Dixon on the BBC One show since early 2012.
Ray, who is the real dad of Morgan Butcher and ex-boyfriend of Kim Fox (Tameka Empson), will say goodbye to Albert Square in scenes due to air in June.
In a statement released to Digital Spy this morning (April 16), Venn commented: "Working on EastEnders has been one of my career highlights and an invaluable experience.
"I couldn't have asked for a better team to work with and have found a life-long friend in my on-screen partner Tameka. I want to thank everyone who supported me on the show."
Ray's exit storyline will reportedly see him move away from Walford to be closer to his daughter Sasha when her mother becomes unwell.
An EastEnders source told Inside Soap: "The door will be left open for Ray. Chucky has been a great cast member and a pleasure to work with.
"Ray's always going to be connected to Walford while Morgan is there - and who knows, he may pay his little lad a visit one day in the future."
Ray's storylines have mostly revolved around his connection to the Butcher family and his romance with Kim.
He was also in the frame in the mystery of Kat Moon's secret lover last summer.
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i thought he was going to be put back with bianca but as said above no loss
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Chucky Venn has revealed his exit from EastEnders was a "mutual decision".
The actor, who has played Ray Dixon since early 2012, is due to appear on screen for the last time his month.
Speaking to Overground, Venn said he agreed with producers that Ray's character may have reached the right time to leave the soap.
"In some ways, it was a mutual decision," Venn explained.
"Easties thought they couldn't further develop the story of Ray, but equally I felt that I featured on the show for a healthy amount of time and now it's time for me to move on."
Venn is planning a joint 40th birthday and EastEnders leaving party in June, as a way of celebrating the "landmark" birthday and thanking his family, friends and supporters.
He is currently working on producing a pilot show and running Manchester-based acting academy, Star Reach Academy.
Venn said: "We'll also be launching the academy in London very soon. Plus I'm in negotiations regarding potential projects in the States, so it's busy times!"
He added: "My Easties exit is work I'm proud of. Don't miss my two penultimate episodes in late May and early June."
