JAKE WOOD TO LEAVE EASTENDERS

EastEnders actor Jake Wood is to leave the show after 15 years.

Max will leave the square as a result of a "dramatic storyline" at the end of Jake's current contract. He is not expected to be killed off, with the door open for a future return.

Jake said: "I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends. I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.

Jon Sen, Executive Producer of EastEnders, said: ‘Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long. We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out."