Zoe Lucker, who is currently playing Vanessa Gold in EastEnders, is to leave the soap, according to reports. Zoe, who found fame in Footballers' Wives, originally joined the show last year as a temporary character, but was kept on after proving a hit with viewers. According to The Sun, however, she will now leave Albert Square in the summer in what is described as an 'explosive' storyline. But it looks unlikely that Vanessa will be killed off, as writers are reportedly leaving the door open for a possible return in the future. And actress Kylie Babbington, who plays her screen daughter Jodie, is reportedly staying in the show. News of her departure comes just a day after actor Charlie G Hawkins, who plays Darren Miller, announced he was leaving. Charlie, who has been in the show for seven years, said he was leaving because he wanted 'to experience life as a normal 20-year-old'. He has appeared in many scenes with Zoe due to Darren's romance with Jodie. "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," Charlie said after the news was revealed on Sunday. "I've had tremendous support throughout my duration on the show and I would like to thank Bryan Kirkwood and the whole team for believing in me."
