EastEnders actor Chucky Venn has revealed his character, Ray Dixon, has been written out of the show.
Chucky, who plays The Vic's chef, will leave Albert Square in June.
He said his role in the BBC soap had been a 'career highlight 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 [Empson]. I want to thank everyone who supported me on the show."
Ray is the real father of Morgan Butcher and ex-boyfriend of Kim Fox (Tameka), with most of his storylines revolving around those connections.
He will leave Walford to be closer to his daughter, Sasha, when her mum falls ill.
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."
Last summer Ray was in the frame as one of the characters who could have been Kat Moon's secret lover.
