Who's leaving EastEnders in 2018? From Mick Carter to Dr Harold Legg – this year's departures from the soap

Here is everything you need to know about who's leaving Walford in 2018…

Mick Carter (Danny Dyer)

Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer, arrived on EastEnders in 2013.

The star will leave the soap for six weeks in 2019 in order to star in a West End play.

Danny is appearing in a series of high-brow theatre productions written by Harold Pinter, starring alongside Martin Freeman.

A source told The Sun: "Danny will need to take at least a month and a half away from the soap.

"He needs to spend a considerable amount of time in rehearsals and on stage so it only makes sense to give him a break from filming."

The play is set to run from January 31 to February 23 in 2019.

Dr Harold Legg (Leonard Fenton)

Dr Harold Legg, played by Leonard Fenton, returned to Albert Square in 2018 having last appeared on the soap in 2007.

But he won't be around for much longer as he's set to reveal the heartbreaking news that he's dying.

EastEnders bosses previously said that Harold's return storyline would be "emotional."

Max Branning (Jake Wood)

Jake Wood who plays Max Branning in the soap is set to take a break from EastEnders while he takes his boxing podcast on a live tour.

The show will kick off in High Wycombe in January 2019 and run through to the end of February.

He tweeted: “Buzzing for this, gonna be so much fun. Can’t wait to get out on the road with @PoundPodcast @SpencerOliver!”

A spokesperson for EastEnders added: “Jake will take some time off early next year, but he will return to filming after a short time away.”

Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford)

Carmel Kazemi made her final appearance on the soap on November 5, 2018 after saying her goodbyes to various residents including son Kush.

Actress Bonnie Langford initially signed up for six months on the soap back in May 2015. However, she proved so popular that she ended up staying.

In July 2018, it was revealed her character Carmel Kazemi would be leaving EastEnders this autumn after struggling to come to terms with her son Shakil's death by stabbing.

In a statement, the star said: “I’ve had wonderful three-and-a-half years at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to be part of such an iconic show.

“My storyline has been such an incredible experience and I’m honoured to be part of something so powerful and poignant.

“However, I’ve known since the beginning of this storyline it would always lead to Carmel having to take a break from Walford.”

Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood)

Vincent Hubbard made his EastEnders debut in 2015 as a police informant.

In March 2018, it was announced that he would leave the soap. 

Actor Richard Blackwood said: "I have loved every minute of my time at EastEnders and although I will be sad to say goodbye, after three years it feels the right time to leave,"

Vincent's last storyline saw him get involved with gangster Aidan Maguire and his heist scheme.

At the end of the episode on April 20, 2018, Vincent made his exit from the soap when he had a gun pointed at him by fake cop DI Alsworth. 

Actor Richard Blackwood is now set to star in Dancing On Ice 2019.  

Joyce Murray (Maggie Steed)

Joyce Murray is played by Maggie Steed and has been on EastEnders since 2017.

The character left the soap in March 2018 after dying in her sleep.

Her passing was so subtle that her husband Ted didn't realise at first that she'd died.

Joyce's death also marked the arrival of her daughter Judith played by Emma Fielding.

Michelle Fowler (Jenna Russell)

Michelle Fowler was one of the original EastEnders characters.

She has been played by two actresses – Susan Tully (1985-1995) and Jenna Russell (2016-2018)

Speaking to Digital Spy EastEnders reps said: "Jenna is a terrific actress who has loved her time on the show playing Michelle and it was a mutual decision to write the character out."

The character made her last appearance on the soap in April 2018.

Woody Woodward (Lee Ryan)

Harry "Woody" Woodward made his Albert Square debut in April 2017.

He left the soap in June 2018 after being caught with money stole from E20 nightclub.

Actor Lee Ryan told The Sun: "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."

Shakil Kazemi in EastEnders was at the centre of a harrowing stabbing storyline

Shakil Kazemi (Shaheen Jafargholi)

Shakil "Shaki" Kazemi had been in EastEnders since May 2016.

At the end of May, his character was the victim of a brutal stabbing after he and Keegan Baker were attacked.

Shakil tragically died after the attack, while Keegan's life was saved by Mick Carter.

Donna Yates (Lisa Hammond)

The market trader had been in Walford for four years before her exit.

After being confronted about her plan to frame Rainie Cross for taking drugs, Donna fled Walford in a black cab in July 2018. 

The 24-year-old actress made a statement saying: "It's been so great to play Donna for the past four years.

"I've made lifelong friends at EastEnders and will really miss all of the brilliant cast and crew who have always been a pleasure to work with!

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