EE: Wick's Spoiler

[Skylace]

EastEnders actor Phil Daniels has quit the BBC soap after nearly two years.

The 47-year-old – who joined the cast as Kevin Wicks in September 2005 – has decided not to renew his contract, provoking Walford executives to axe his on-screen children, Carly and Deano (played by Kellie Shirley and Matt Di Angelo).

Diane Parish – who plays Daniels' screen wife Denise – will also make a temporary exit at the same time while she has a baby in real life.

Speaking of his decision to quit, Daniels said: "EastEnders has been an absolute pleasure, but it was always my intention, after two years in the job, to move on and do other things.

"I'd like to thank all on the Square for making my stay such fun."

Kellie commented: "It's a shame the option on my contract hasn’t been picked up, but it wouldn't feel right to remain in the Square without the rest of my family.

"I've not been able to accept work while playing Carly and I can't wait to get my teeth into others roles - but I wouldn't change a thing about my EastEnders experience."

Di Angelo added: "I've had a really good time at EastEnders and I've learnt so much from the cast."

Phil Daniels, Diane Parish, Kellie Shirley and Matt Di Angelo will remain filming with the BBC soap until November and will be seen on screen until the new year. Diane, however, will return after her period of maternity leave.

Meanwhile, actress Linda Henry – who plays Kevin Wicks' ex-wife Shirley Carter – is sticking with the BBC soap as, earlier this month, Bobby Davro signed to appear as Vince Monks, a new love interest for the wayward barmaid.
_________________________

I am saddened by this. I really do enjoy Kevin. It will be a shame to see him go. That also means they are going to destroy his and Denise's relationship if she is remaining. Which just sucks. Ah well, I do wish them all the best.

However, I wish Shirley wasn't staying

[eefanincan]

I'm with you on all those points, Sky. Just when I thought there was going to be a happy marriage (finally!) on the Square, they get rid of them. I guess Shirely's prediction on their wedding day that it wouldn't last a year might turn out to be right.

[Skylace]

I know It breaks my heart I tell you. And it's not like the writers HAD planned this out. With him leaving and her staying, it just kind of makes it work out that way.

[carmelina]

Kevin Wicks will crash out of East-Enders with an explosive storyline, in which he faces grassing up his son and step-daughter to the Old Bill.

Kevin - actor Phil Daniels - is left with the dilemma after finding the missing CCTV tape which proves Sean Slater's innocence over Patrick's attack.

But he knows that the tape proves Deano and Chelsea have lied and that, if he hands it over to the police, the pair could go dahn.

"Kevin faces a terrible decision," says a show source. "He can't do the right thing without implicating his kids. It will get messy."

The fact that the whole family leaves shortly afterwards suggests that things don't pan out too well.

Daniels is quitting the soap this autumn after nearly two years - and taking his screen family with him. But fans of Diane Parish can rest easy as Denise will return next year... alone.