Lee has revealed he's working on other projects
After just a year on the show, it's been revealed that actor Lee Ryan is leaving EastEnders behind for good.
The former Blue singer - who has played lovable barman Woody Woodward since last April - announced he'll be written out of the soap when his contract ends.
Speaking to The Sun, the 34-year-old said: "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."
BBC bosses also confirmed the sad news, with a spokesperson adding: "Lee will be leaving EastEnders when his storyline concludes this spring."
Lee's character Woody has been away from our telly screens recently after he took a job running a bar in Spain.
After initially clashing with Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), Woody began wooing Whitney Carter (Shona McGarty) and the pair quickly got engaged just a few months later.
Unfortunately, poor Whit was left devastated when he decided she was better off without him and left the Square for sunnier climates alone.
Luckily, Woody soon returned to Walford but will be saying goodbye for good in the spring after another shock storyline.
Meanwhile, following his departure it's rumoured Lee has landed himself a major role in a World War II movie due to start filming this summer.
An insider told The Sun: "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."
And it looks like Lee is set for a busy year ahead, as not only will he be finishing up filming for EastEnders, he is also set to go on tour with his Blue bandmates Simon Webbe, Anthony Costa and Duncan James (who played Ryan Knight in Hollyoaks). Good luck, Lee!
