Yesterday we reported that Natalie Gumede is shooting her final scenes for Coronation Street and today we are reporting that Scott Maslen is leaving EastEnders after five and a half years on the soap.

According to reports Scott, who plays heartthrob Jack Branning, announced this weekend that he will be leaving Albert Square later this year. But the 41-year-old star, who is hoping to take on new roles, has nothing but good things to say about the programme that made him famous.

 

Scott joined the popular soap back in 2007.

“I’ve loved playing Jack, and who wouldn’t want to work on one of the most successful British TV Series, but I’ve been offered many other roles and just not been able to explore them in the past, simply because of time and commitments to EastEnders, and so now it feels like the time to tread a new path for a while.”

He continued: “I’ve played Jack for five and a half years and had some fantastic storylines, but it’s now time to have a break from him and try something different… EastEnders is just incredible, it’s phenomenally rewarding and I love working here, but now it’s time to move on to pastures new.”

 

He has won a number of awards for his role as Jack Branning.

The actor has had a great run in the soap having been involved in a number of its major storylines including the controversial ‘baby swap’ as well as his current plotline which also involves characters Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Sharon Rickman (Letitia Dean).

And while we’re sad to hear that Scott has decided to leave, at least we have a few more months left to swoon and he only said that he's taking a "break" which means we might not have seen the last of him!