EastEnders star Bobby Davro has decided to quit his role as Vinnie Monks after just one year.

The actor revealed his decision to producers this week after being offered a new lucrative project. He has also been approached to star in a Christmas pantomime.

"I have had a fantastic year with EastEnders and made lots of friends," Davro told The Mirror. "I hope to be back at some point."

Executive producer Diederick Santer added: "We've really enjoyed having Bobby with us at EastEnders. I hope this is not so much goodbye as see you later."

Davro will bow out in the autumn, but his on-screen son Callum, who appears for the first time next month, will provide him with a link back to Albert Square.

A show insider explained: "Bobby has been a real hit with EastEnders fans and it has been mutually agreed he will leave the show shortly but a return is quite possible. With his on-screen son set to arrive, that will enable him to visit Walford next year if he has to come back to sort out any problems."