Kazinsky was an unknown actor before joining EastEnders last year

The 23-year-old, who plays Sean Slater, will leave the show for two months from early February, producers have decided.

The punishment follows a story written about him in The People newspaper, a spokesman for the programme said.

The actor, from Brighton, has apologised "for any offence caused and for bringing the show into disrepute".

His suspension has been timed to minimise disruption to forthcoming storylines.

It is not the first time that the long-running soap has been embroiled in a sex scandal, however.

Actor Leslie Grantham was written out after making his comeback as "Dirty" Den Watts.

In 2004 it emerged he had exposed himself via a webcam from his dressing room.

He was also forced to make a public apology to cast members after he was reported to have made insulting comments about them.