Nigel Harman has left 'Casualty'.
Nigel Harman as Max Cristie in Casualty
The 50-year-old actor joined the medical drama as consultant Max Cristie earlier this year but he's admitted his time on the show is now "done" and he will exit the programme in what has been described as a "gripping storyline" next February.
Nigel confirmed to the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: “My time on 'Casualty' is done for the time being.
"There are no plans for me to go back at the moment."
Programme insiders admitted the news will come as a huge blow to fans.
A source said: "Nigel is so popular – getting him on board was such a coup.
"A lot of viewers have been tuning in just to see him.
"This news will be heartbreaking for a lot of viewers."
Former 'EastEnders' actor Nigel - who portrayed Dennis Rickman in the BBC One soap - is currently training for 'Strictly Come Dancing' and recently admitted he is amazed, excited, and terrified" about taking part in the BBC Latin and ballroom show.
He said: "As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it's my turn ... gulp!"
Nigel has sought advice from his 'Casualty' co-star Charles Venn, who played Ray Dixon in 'EastEnders' and previously took part in 'Strictly' - but admitted he didn't like what he had to say.
Speaking on 'Lorraine', Nigel said: "Charles Venn took me aside and he went really serious. He said, 'You've got to do cardio at the gym. Cardio, cardio.' I thought, 'Oh my God.' "
Nigel recently graduated as a meditation teacher, and admitted he has a feeling he is "going to need" such skills amid his 'Strictly' stint.
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