Danny Dyer leaving EastEnders after 9 years

Actor Danny Dyer will leave EastEnders later this year, the BBC has confirmed.

Dyer, who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, is not quitting immediately, with the BBC promising "plenty of explosive drama" before he goes.

EastEnders said Dyer, who joined the show in 2013, had made Mick Carter into "an iconic character" who they would "always be grateful for".

"Danny will be leaving EastEnders when his contract comes to an end later this year," it said in a statement.