EastEnders star Danny Walters is leaving the show, Digital Spy can reveal.

The actor, who plays Keanu Taylor, is bowing out after more than two years with the BBC soap.

Digital Spy can confirm that Danny is departing of his own accord as he wants to pursue new projects.

Speaking to us, Danny confirmed: "It has been a joy to play Keanu Taylor for the last two and a half years. I have been blessed to work with the most fantastic creative team and I will miss them and my fellow actors immensely.

BBC

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"EastEnders will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to be an avid fan."

EastEnders' executive producer Jon Sen added: "Keanu's story is set to come to a dramatic and blistering conclusion in the near future as one of the 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. Everyone at EastEnders wishes him well for the future."

An EastEnders insider also said: "Keanu should know that secrets never stay secret in Walford and he's been playing with fire for months. The truth is going to come out in spectacular fashion and bosses are promising that Keanu's exit is going to be explosive."

BBC

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EastEnders has spent the past few weeks teasing some dramatic Christmas episodes, which will see Keanu's past affair with Sharon finally exposed.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the moment that Phil Mitchell discovers his wife's betrayal with the hunky mechanic – and that he's the father of Sharon's unborn baby.

Speaking to us on the red carpet at the Inside Soap Awards last month, Danny revealed that fans can expect fireworks – and some stunts – as the truth comes out.

He said: "The whole Sheanu story has been bubbling for a long, long time. It's about to get much more serious, much more darker and much more interesting – to watch, to perform and to be a part of.

"It's going to be a fantastic Christmas. It's explosive, big emotions, big stunts – like good, classic Christmas EastEnders style."

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.

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