Mobster tires of Square scripts

11:20 24 August 2005

Albert Square mobster Johnny Allen is set for an abrupt departure from our screens after sensationally quitting the BBC soap.

The news comes as a blow to both viewers and bosses of the programme but scriptwriters are now frantically concocting a dramatic exit.

Actor Billy Murray, who plays the EastEnders hell-raiser, had revealed his intention to leave for pastures new at some stage but it now looks like he will leave as soon as early next year.

Friends of the star told the Sun that Murray had become bored by the scripts and unhappy at the way his character was progressing.

Reports have also claimed there have been run-ins between Murray and EastEnders' bosses, although this was denied last night by BBC chiefs.

Murray only joined the show at the beginning of the year but despite agreeing to stay for three years, first spoke out about his discontent after only six months into the job.

His departure is just the latest in a number of knocks suffered by the Walford soap, following the lead set by co-stars Jessie Wallace and Nigel Harman, who both recently announced their imminent exits.