Shane admits quit plans

EastEnders star Shane Richie has let slip that he has no intention of returning to Albert Square after a sabbatical later this year.

10:33 09 May 2005

EastEnders star Shane Richie has let slip that he has no intention of returning to Albert Square after a sabbatical later this year.

Shane, who plays loveable trader Alfie Moon, admitted as much when he went up to collect his British Soap award for best actor at the weekend.

"As you know this is my last soap awards," the 41-year-old told the audience.

TV bosses have tried to play down rumours of Shane's departure by saying that the actor's other commitments in December are just a temporary break from the show.

But speaking after the award ceremony, Shane told the Sun that he could not guarantee his return after his contract expires in October.

"The truth is I don't know if I am coming back," he told the newspaper.

"I don't think it went down too well with the bosses, they're trying to play it down. I will be sad to go but I think I have played every emotion in the book."

EastEnders execs are reportedly desperate to woo back viewers to the ailing soap by rekindling the romance between Alfie and estranged wife Kat, played by Jessie Wallace.

Shane's admission puts paid to this idea, while Jessie, who has only just returned to filming after taking time off to have her baby daughter, is also considering quitting for good.

Jessie has recently spoken of the low morale on set following the departure of so many characters, including her onscreen daughter Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan.