Carty to quit The Bill

Actor Todd Carty has announced he is quitting ITV soap The Bill.

12:08 21 May 2005

Actor Todd Carty has announced he is quitting ITV soap The Bill.

The former EastEnder, 41, has spent two years playing evil PC Gabriel Kent in the police drama.

Carty joined the cast of The Bill in 2003, and his character has since committed the rape and murder of a colleague.

"We are very sad to see Todd go, although totally support his decision and wish him well," a programme spokeswoman said.

Carty, whose final episodes will be aired in September, added: "From start to finish, playing Gabriel has been utterly fantastic.

"The storylines I've been given have been first-rate and although I will really miss playing him, it's about time that Gabriel got his comeuppance!

"I can't wait to see justice being done - Gabriel being forced to pay for his crimes will be the most exciting turn of them all."

The actor spent more than 12 years in BBC One soap EastEnders playing market trader Mark Fowler. He also enjoyed a successful career as a child actor in Grange Hill and spin-off series Tucker's Luck.