Aidan O'Callaghan has confirmed that he has filmed his final scenes as Lewis Butler on EastEnders but has said that the door remains open for a future return.
The character has been central to one of the soap's biggest storylines of the year which saw the barman rape Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) in harrowing scenes.
In episodes broadcast this week, Ben had the opportunity to kill Lewis but decided to let him go before finally reporting the crime to the police.
"In terms of the story, it's a massive emotional week," O'Callaghan told Digital Spy. "As far as I know, this is Lewis's last episode. But the door for me hasn't been fully shut. I will just have to wait and see if my phone rings.
"On one side, it has been so rewarding as you get to play so much drama and this really intense arc, but on the other hand it is a really hard arc to carry through in terms of redemption. It is such a dark, intense story."
Of a return, he added: "If it went to court, that would be fascinating. I know from speaking with Survivors Manchester that court cases can be tricky and complicated, having the evidence brought up. It would be fascinating but we will have to wait and see."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £19 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 23rd May 2024
