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."

maybe she and fatboy gets together.. we know Mercy is leaving too

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

maybe she and fatboy gets together.. we know Mercy is leaving too

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If not FatBoy then who ??? There are no young single guys their age once Darren leaves, Ben and Jay are just too young for Jodie .. so yea I agree maybe Fat Boy ....

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Originally Posted by JustJodi

If not FatBoy then who ??? There are no young single guys their age once Darren leaves, Ben and Jay are just too young for Jodie .. so yea I agree maybe Fat Boy ....

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I kinda wanted to see her with Tamwar imagine how welcoming Zainab would be :p

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Originally Posted by lizann

I kinda wanted to see her with Tamwar imagine how welcoming Zainab would be :p

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She would probably accept Christian quicker - but Tam is married now, lets leave one happy couple in EE for a while

but isnt tam married ????????????

Yippee can't wait for them to leave, what woman does her kitchen duties in a light suit and frilly blouse????????????
As for that hair, is it wig, is it a hat, totally unreal woman get rid quick!!!

As for dopey darren, well words fail me

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Originally Posted by JustJodi

If not FatBoy then who ??? There are no young single guys their age once Darren leaves, Ben and Jay are just too young for Jodie .. so yea I agree maybe Fat Boy ....

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Maybe one of Michael Moon's brothers

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

lets leave one happy couple in EE for a while

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There's a novel idea. I wonder if this has ever occurred to the Eastenders production team. You could be on to something here...

I think Jodie will last another year on EE.. since the Moon family is bringing in 2 good looking dudes, about her age probably, Not bothered seeing the end of Darren( guess he is going back to stay with Keith and learn how to sit in a chair all day and work the remote), but poor Heather, she will not have Darren to watch George ???Vanessa will not be missed.. at least by me...

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

She would probably accept Christian quicker - but Tam is married now, lets leave one happy couple in EE for a while

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shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh do not tell the writers on EE they have forgotten about Tam and Afia ..

The last member of one of soap's most colourful families is preparing to say goodbye.

And that means it's unlikely EastEnders fans will ever see the Miller clan back on their screens.

That's the belief of David Spinx, who played the slovenly patriarch of the Albert Square clan for four years.

His on-screen son, Charlie G Hawkins (Darren), leaves the show later this year. His departure will mean there are no more Millers in Albert Square.

Despite doing plenty of challenging stage work since leaving the soap, David would clearly love to go back to playing layabout Keith.

But he sees Charlie's departure as proof he will not get to return.

He told Inside Soap: "Darren is indeed the last of the Millers, so I don't know how that works out for the rest of us who might have wanted to return at some point.

"It would have been nice if he'd had a little wedding and we could've all turned up and had a reunion. I enjoyed my time on EastEnders immensely, and of course I'd go back."

EastEnders character Vanessa Gold has an "exciting" storyline in store before she makes her departure from Walford, executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has promised.

Show bosses recently announced that Vanessa will be leaving Albert Square in late 2011, bringing Zöe Lucker's stint with the programme to a close after a year in the role.

Fans already know that Vanessa is heading for heartbreak as her partner Max Branning is to embark on an affair with ex-wife Tanya in a forthcoming storyline.

However, in a new interview, Kirkwood explained that Vanessa will come into her own once she splits from Max.

"People had better duck for cover when Vanessa finds out that she's been betrayed again," Kirkwood told Inside Soap. "She stood by her ex-husband Harry for years and in no time at all, she finds herself in the very same situation with Max.

"The end of that relationship doesn't mean the end of Vanessa, though. She's got a really exciting storyline still in store. It kicks off over the summer and there's a big change of direction for the character that will really give Vanessa some momentum for the time she's got left in Albert Square."

He added: "I love Zöe Lucker - she's fantastic and I'm really glad that she's getting a proper chance to shine."

Lucker recently said that she has "lots of really good stuff to film" before making her EastEnders exit.


They always promise exciting exit storylines, most of them are predictable and boring, such as finding out their partner has cheated :(

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Originally Posted by Perdita

EastEnders character Vanessa Gold has an "exciting" storyline in store before she makes her departure from Walford, executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has promised.

Show bosses recently announced that Vanessa will be leaving Albert Square in late 2011, bringing Zöe Lucker's stint with the programme to a close after a year in the role.

Fans already know that Vanessa is heading for heartbreak as her partner Max Branning is to embark on an affair with ex-wife Tanya in a forthcoming storyline.

However, in a new interview, Kirkwood explained that Vanessa will come into her own once she splits from Max.

"People had better duck for cover when Vanessa finds out that she's been betrayed again," Kirkwood told Inside Soap. "She stood by her ex-husband Harry for years and in no time at all, she finds herself in the very same situation with Max.

"The end of that relationship doesn't mean the end of Vanessa, though. She's got a really exciting storyline still in store. It kicks off over the summer and there's a big change of direction for the character that will really give Vanessa some momentum for the time she's got left in Albert Square."

He added: "I love Zöe Lucker - she's fantastic and I'm really glad that she's getting a proper chance to shine."

Lucker recently said that she has "lots of really good stuff to film" before making her EastEnders exit.


They always promise exciting exit storylines, most of them are predictable and boring, such as finding out their partner has cheated :(

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Does it involve her wearing a different colour than white :p

Maybe she will become a bunny boiler and turn psycho on Max and Tanya

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Originally Posted by alan45

The last member of one of soap's most colourful families is preparing to say goodbye.

And that means it's unlikely EastEnders fans will ever see the Miller clan back on their screens.

That's the belief of David Spinx, who played the slovenly patriarch of the Albert Square clan for four years.

His on-screen son, Charlie G Hawkins (Darren), leaves the show later this year. His departure will mean there are no more Millers in Albert Square.

Despite doing plenty of challenging stage work since leaving the soap, David would clearly love to go back to playing layabout Keith.

But he sees Charlie's departure as proof he will not get to return.

He told Inside Soap: "Darren is indeed the last of the Millers, so I don't know how that works out for the rest of us who might have wanted to return at some point.

"It would have been nice if he'd had a little wedding and we could've all turned up and had a reunion. I enjoyed my time on EastEnders immensely, and of course I'd go back."

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Of course he's desparate to return to the show he hasn't worked since.

EastEnders star Zöe Lucker has predicted that her character Vanessa Gold will not let go of her relationship with Max Branning without a fight.

Vanessa has been tipped for heartbreak in the months ahead as show bosses have confirmed that Max will soon embark on an affair with his ex-wife Tanya, played by Jo Joyner.

Max's (Jake Wood) betrayal is likely to shock Vanessa as the couple start making wedding plans in next week's episodes, which she hopes is a turning point for their relationship.

Pondering the pair's rocky future, Lucker told All About Soap: "If it came to it, she'd definitely fight to keep him!"

However, asked whether Vanessa will want revenge when she discovers that Max has cheated, the actress replied: "We haven't seen that side to Vanessa, but I think she's pretty tough and if pushed, who knows how far she'd actually go?"

Lucker is leaving EastEnders later this year but is currently keeping tight-lipped over Vanessa's exit storyline.

"I couldn't possibly say [what it is] as it's much too early to reveal anything, but it will be exciting stuff," she promised. "Vanessa is trying hard to make Max realise that she is the right woman for him. What lengths will she go to in order to keep her man?"

EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood recently teased that "people had better duck for cover when Vanessa finds out that she's been betrayed again".

EastEnders actress Zöe Lucker has confirmed that viewers will see a more "vulnerable" side to her character Vanessa Gold in next week's episodes.

Monday's edition of the BBC soap will see Vanessa have an emotional heart-to-heart with her partner Max Branning (Jake Wood) in the early hours, asking him whether he still loves his ex-wife Tanya (Jo Joyner).

After Max dismisses the suggestion, he soon leaves Vanessa stunned by popping the question. Despite still feeling uneasy over Tanya, it's not long until she delightedly accepts his proposal.

Discussing Max and Vanessa's current storyline, Lucker told This Morning today: "For the past year really, it's been kind of a drip-feed and now because I'm leaving in the autumn, everything starts happening now.

"She tries so hard to get his attention and she does everything for him - she's constantly cooking and looking after his kids and all that sort of stuff. Since Tanya's back on the Square, he just doesn't notice her anymore."

She continued: "Next week, I think you definitely see a much more vulnerable side to her, because she does hide behind all this hair and make-up and it is a façade. Obviously she is quite a vulnerable person."

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Max and Tanya will embark on an affair in the coming weeks, meaning that Vanessa is likely to face heartbreak before her departure from the Square.

Lucker added: "On EastEnders, secrets don't stay secret for very long. We don't know for definite whether she will find out about the affair, but if she does, I can imagine that it will be very, very explosive."

The actress also confirmed that Vanessa will remain on screen until "September or October".

The affair between EastEnders characters Max and Tanya will feature some the show's sexiest scenes, it has been claimed.

In a plot described as the soap's "hottest ever", the former lovers will be seen meeting for secret sex sessions all over Albert Square, including the car lot office - where Tanya's new husband Greg nearly catches them.

"Max and Tanya are one of the hottest couples in EastEnders' history," a source told the Daily Star Sunday. "The on-screen chemistry between Jo Joyner and Jake Wood has always been through the roof, but this affair is going to take it to a whole new level.

"Those scenes in the car lot are very racy. Max pulls his trousers down as Tanya rips off her clothes - they're rampant.

"It is going to be the sexiest affair Walford has seen. They don't care where they do it, as long as they get to spend some time together."

Tanya previously cheated on Greg on her wedding day.

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Originally Posted by Perdita

The affair between EastEnders characters Max and Tanya will feature some the show's sexiest scenes, it has been claimed.

In a plot described as the soap's "hottest ever", the former lovers will be seen meeting for secret sex sessions all over Albert Square, including the car lot office - where Tanya's new husband Greg nearly catches them.

"Max and Tanya are one of the hottest couples in EastEnders' history," a source told the Daily Star Sunday. "The on-screen chemistry between Jo Joyner and Jake Wood has always been through the roof, but this affair is going to take it to a whole new level.

"Those scenes in the car lot are very racy. Max pulls his trousers down as Tanya rips off her clothes - they're rampant.

"It is going to be the sexiest affair Walford has seen. They don't care where they do it, as long as they get to spend some time together."

Tanya previously cheated on Greg on her wedding day.

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All I can say is:sick:

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Originally Posted by parkerman

All I can say is:sick:

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Maybe the intensity of their rampant lust will Rock the Square

I wish tanya would open her eyes. Greg's fitter than max.

So whats the betting Vanessa fakes a pregnancy

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Originally Posted by xcarlyx

I wish tanya would open her eyes. Greg's fitter than max.

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Yes he is fitter but seems a bit stupid to me

Dear lord , engagement party in a small house main man and a tayna are tearing there gear off upstairs, yes like they won't be missed downstairs.

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Originally Posted by walsh2509

Dear lord , engagement party in a small house main man and a tayna are tearing there gear off upstairs, yes like they won't be missed downstairs.

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course not.. she did the "chuck drink on the carpet around the women with OCD for cleaning"

EastEnders star Jake Wood has expressed excitement over future developments in the soap's Max and Tanya affair storyline, promising that there is a big surprise in store for fans.

Viewers have recently seen Max and Tanya's old spark return as they have finally given into temptation, while their respective partners Vanessa and Greg remain clueless.

EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood recently teased that there will be "a huge, life-changing shock for Tanya" (Jo Joyner) as the plot progresses over the coming weeks.

Speaking of the story's future for the first time, Wood told All About Soap: "There's a big twist and the reveal of the affair and the fallout from that will just be the start of another chapter.

"The storyline with Max and Tanya cheating on their partners with each other builds to a point, and then it goes somewhere else entirely. It's going to be very exciting."

Wood also promised that fans can expect a change in direction for Vanessa when she finds out that Max has betrayed her.

"There are some big things ahead for Vanessa," he said. "She's not a lady to be crossed. She's given up everything for Max and I think we're going to see a completely different side to her soon. It's going to be great."

Zöe Lucker, who plays Vanessa, will be bowing out from EastEnders in the autumn.

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Originally Posted by Perdita

EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood recently teased that there will be "a huge, life-changing shock for Tanya" (Jo Joyner) as the plot progresses over the coming weeks.

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let me guess.. she is pregnant.. and who is the daddy???

wow, that has never been done before if that is going to happen :eek: :p

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

let me guess.. she is pregnant.. and who is the daddy???

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She discovers she is Peggys love child in an explosive sensational storyline set to rock the square just before she leaves in a Black Cab

I am not liking the affair storyline

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

let me guess.. she is pregnant.. and who is the daddy???

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yep she might even be preggo with Darrens kid LOL....