EastEnders' boss Chris Clenshaw has teased a 'tragic' ending for Mick Carter on the BBC One soap.
The Mirror exclusively revealed earlier this year that Danny Dyer was departing his role as Mick Carter, with his exit scenes now confirmed to take place around the festive season. Charlie Brooks - who plays his on-screen partner Janine Butcher - is also leaving her role in the coming months, with the exact storylines being kept a secret.
However, Chris teased that the exit storyline is built around a "tragic love story" - as he hinted there could be heartbreak in store as the pair say their goodbyes. He also teased who could be taking over the iconic Queen Vic.
Speaking to Inside Soap, EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw revealed: "It’s Mick’s last Christmas – and it’s pretty epic. Do people want Mick and Janine to go off into the sunset, though? Well, you’ll have to wait and see.
"I hope the audience will be pleased. All I’ll say is that it is a tragic love story. A lot happens when Mick leaves. The Vic is the beating heart of Walford – it’s a character in its own right – so who we have in that precinct is important."
He added: "Rest assured, there are plans afoot to make sure the community doesn’t die of thirst!"
Danny has kept tight lipped about his exit storyline - but did promise it would be "very very powerful".
"I am leaving EastEnders. I'm very lucky, I'm very grateful. When you're in a job like a soap your contract comes up for renewal and every time it has they've asked me to stay, and I'm very grateful for that," he said.
"Because I've seen a lot of people come and go. It's very tough ... Let me tell you something - Mick's exit is going to be a very, very powerful thing. I would love the door to be left open, and as far as I know it is."
Pictures from the filming of Danny's exit scenes as Mick see the landlord taking a hit to the crotch. The filming has been taking place on a beach in Kent, and as Janine took aim, Mick's estranged wife Linda, played by Kellie Bright, looked on concerned.
At filming, there was even a body-double for the actor as his on-screen character jumps off a cliff into the sea, following a car filled with crash test dummies veering over the edge. However it happens, Mick Carter's exit will be 'epic'.
*EastEnders airs Mondays through Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
