EastEnders actor Jake Wood has finally broken his silence over his exit from the BBC soap after 15 years.
The 48-year-old, who has appeared as Max Branning on screen since 2006, will be leaving Albert Square for good.
Jake has said that he is enthusiastic about "new horizons" as he thanks fans for their love and support over the years.
He also confirmed that Max won't be killed off as bosses have "left the door open" for him.
The actor wrote on Instagram : "After 15 years I will be leaving Eastenders at the end of this year.
"I have loved playing Max Branning who amongst other things in that time has had 4 marriages, 10 affairs, 4 children (2 dying from falling from the roof of The Queen Vic), been buried alive, watched unwanted DVDs at Xmas and perhaps most traumatising of all...shared a hot tub with Ian Beale.
"I have made some truly great friends whilst on the show and I’ll miss everyone there. I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what new horizons are around the corner.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages this week, I appreciate the love and support."
This comes as Jake, who also takes part in a boxing podcast, is tipped to take part in this year's I'm A Celebrity.
Instead of being based in Australia, the hit ITV show hosted by Ant and Dec will air from a derelict castle in Wales.
Also rumoured to be taking part in I'm A Celeb this year is Coronation Street's Beverley Callard, who quit the soap earlier this year.
*EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One
