Lee Ryan has quit EastEnders to pursue a Hollywood acting career.
The former Blue singer and one-time Celebrity Big Brother housemate joined the BBC One soap last year.
And now he’s moving on after reportedly landing a role in an upcoming World War II movie.
“EastEnders has really revived Lee’s acting career,” an insider told The Sun newspaper. “It’s put him in the position to secure movie roles, which has always been a big aim of his.
“He’s enjoyed his time on The Square but he now feels ready to have a crack at Hollywood.
“The decision has only been made very recently and he’ll be leaving on good terms.”
Lee, who will leave in the summer, said in a short statement: “I cannot express enough gratitude to EastEnders for the opportunity they have given me.
“I’ve had a great time and loved every minute of it and I’m looking forward to my future projects.”
A spokesperson for EastEnders confirmed: “We can confirm that Lee will be leaving EastEnders when his storyline concludes this spring.”
Lee originally joined EastEnders as Woody Woodward for a guest stint before signing a full time one-year contract last Spring.
He said at the time: “It was a dream come true when I landed the role so I am thrilled that this has now turned into something much bigger.
“It has been a surreal experience walking down the road and having people shouting ‘Woody’ at me but I cannot wait to get back in the Square to see what trouble he will cause this time round.”
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