Buster packs his bags – he's leaving EastEnders

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WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 08/02/2016 - Episode: 5225 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: Mick and Lee discover Buster packing. Andrew 'Buster' Briggs (KARL HOWMAN), Mick Carter (DANNY DYER), Lee Carter (DANNY-BOY HATCHARD) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Buster and Shirley have always had a volatile relationship, and the build-up to Dean's court appearance (tonight on EastEnders) saw the pair clash again over whether or not to support their wayward son.

When the outcome of the plea hearing sinks in, it seems the drama has proved all too much for Buster (Karl Howman), who decides to leave Walford.

 

Sensing all is not well between Buster and Shirley, Mick pays his dad a visit – accompanied by Lee – and is surprised to find him packing his bags.

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 09/02/2016 - Episode: 5226 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***FORTNIGHTLIES PLEASE DO NOT USE (SOAP LIFE and ALL ABOUT SOAP) Shirley confronts Buster about leaving. Shirley Carter (LINDA HENRY), Mick Carter (DANNY DYER), Andrew 'Buster' Briggs (KARL HOWMAN) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 09/02/2016 - Episode: 5226 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***FORTNIGHTLIES PLEASE DO NOT USE (SOAP LIFE and ALL ABOUT SOAP) Shirley confronts Buster about leaving. Shirley Carter (LINDA HENRY), Mick Carter (DANNY DYER), Andrew 'Buster' Briggs (KARL HOWMAN) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

 

As Mick and Lee beg Buster to think again, Shirley turns up.

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 09/02/2016 - Episode: 5226 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***FORTNIGHTLIES PLEASE DO NOT USE (SOAP LIFE and ALL ABOUT SOAP) Shirley confronts Buster about leaving. Shirley Carter (LINDA HENRY) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 09/02/2016 - Episode: 5226 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***FORTNIGHTLIES PLEASE DO NOT USE (SOAP LIFE and ALL ABOUT SOAP) Shirley confronts Buster about leaving. Shirley Carter (LINDA HENRY) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

 

Will she be able to convince him to stay...? Does she even want to?

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 09/02/2016 - Episode: 5226 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***FORTNIGHTLIES PLEASE DO NOT USE (SOAP LIFE and ALL ABOUT SOAP) Shirley and Buster talk. Shirley Carter (LINDA HENRY), Mick Carter (DANNY DYER), Lee Carter (DANNY-BOY HATCHARD), Andrew 'Buster' Briggs (KARL HOWMAN) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 02/02/2016 - Programme Name: Eastenders - TX: 09/02/2016 - Episode: 5226 (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***FORTNIGHTLIES PLEASE DO NOT USE (SOAP LIFE and ALL ABOUT SOAP) Shirley and Buster talk. Shirley Carter (LINDA HENRY), Mick Carter (DANNY DYER), Lee Carter (DANNY-BOY HATCHARD), Andrew 'Buster' Briggs (KARL HOWMAN) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

...Or is this the last we'll see of Buster in Walford?

Watch his dramatic response to Shirley in EastEnders from Monday, February 8 on BBC1

 

Sandra Powell