Tilly Keeper is to leave ‘EastEnders’.
The 22-year-old star will bow out of her role as Louise Mitchell after four years on the BBC One soap, and she feels "honoured" to have been a part of the iconic programme.
She told The Sun Online: "I have loved playing Louise Mitchell over these past few years, and I feel honoured to have been part of such an iconic show.
"Working with our incredible cast and crew has been a joy and I shall miss my EastEnders family greatly."
Jon Sen, EastEnders’ executive producer, admitted Tilly – who made her debut on the soap in January 2016 – has been "a joy to watch".
He added: "Tilly has been an incredible asset to the ‘EastEnders’ cast and a wonderful company member.
"Her portrayal of Louise Mitchell over the past years has been a joy to watch.
"We wish her well in all her future endeavours."
Tilly’s exit is expected to come after the dramatic Christmas events, in which Louise looks set to discover that her significant other Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) has been having an affair with her dad Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) wife Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean).
It comes just a month after Danny confirmed he is quitting ‘EastEnders’.
The 26-year-old actor has played Keanu Taylor for almost three years.
He said: "It has been a joy to play Keanu Taylor for the last two and half years.
"I have been blessed to work with the most fantastic creative team and I will miss them and my fellow actors immensely. ‘EastEnders’ will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to be an avid fan."
Bosses are remaining tight-lipped on how Keanu will leave Albert Square but Jon teased that his exit will be "devastating".
He explained: "Keanu’s story is set to come to a dramatic and blistering conclusion in the near future as one of best kept secrets on the Square is finally revealed with devastating consequences.
"We’d all like to thank Danny for his nuanced performance as Keanu Taylor over the last two and half years. What Danny has brought to his character has been one of the reasons the ‘Sheanu’ affair has been such compulsive viewing for fans."
Tilly Keeper quits EastEnders
