EastEnders star Ellen Thomas, who plays Claudette Hubbard, has become the latest in a long list of the cast to depart the show.
EastEnders Spy understands that Thomas decided to bow out of the soap in order to pursue her career on stage.
The actress has played the character since March 2015, and has already landed the lead role in upcoming stage show The Hotel Cerise – which will run at The Theatre Royal Stratford East in October and November.
However, the door will be left open for the character, should Thomas wish to return.
Ellen Thomas as Claudette (left) with her on-screen family.
An EastEnders spokeperson said: “As our regular viewers will know, Claudette has often been seen coming and going from the Square to visit her family and friends.
“This is the end of another stint for Claudette and we wish Ellen all the best for the future.”
Claudette’s final scenes are expected to air in the coming months.
