No more Johnny Allen

It looks like hard nut Johnny Allen's days in Walford are numbered, as actor Billy Murray is set to quit EastEnders next year.

17:44 29 July 2005

It looks like hard nut Johnny Allen's days in Walford are numbered, as actor Billy Murray is set to quit EastEnders next year.

When Billy joined the set at the beginning of the year he was proud of his new role, saying: "Johnny Allen is lord of the manor and I'd like to think he'll be around for a long time."

But an Albert Square mole told the Daily Star: "Billy didn't think the role was living up to what he'd been promised."

Johnny Allen arrived on the scene with all the swagger, arrogance and mean intent of classic EastEnders gangsters of yore.

But he was recently seen having a deep and meaningful conversation with Christian old-timer Dot Cotton, who was persuading him not to commit crime.

The insider said: "He was becoming a wimp - it just didn't ring true.

"He was hoping to make much more impact on EastEnders, but found himself caught up in a change of direction."

According to the source, Billy is set to leave the show as soon as story-lines allow.