Stevie Basaula is to depart 'EastEnders'.
Stevie Basaula is to leave EastEnders
The Isaac Baptiste actor is leaving the role after two years of playing Patrick Trueman's (Rudolph Walker) son, and the soap's boss Kate Oates admitted the show will "miss" Stevie.
She said in a statement: "Stevie has been a huge asset to 'EastEnders' during his time here; not least through his incredible performance across Isaac's schizophrenia story.
"As a member of the Trueman family, he will always be a part of one of our most iconic families. We will miss him, and wish him well in his new ventures."
Stevie admitted 'EastEnders' has been an "essential part" of his growth as a man and an actor.
He added: "What a dream come true! Grateful to have spent over two years on one of the biggest shows in the country, there's nothing like it.
"Thank you for everything you've given me. I've learnt so much during my time and I'm proud to have been a part of some important work and to have made friends and memories that I'll cherish for a long time.
"'EastEnders' has been an essential part of my growth both as a young man and an actor, and I'm now excited and feel ready to explore this next chapter of my career."
'EastEnders' previously teamed up with mental health charity Mind for guidance on Isaac's schizophrenia storyline.
The teacher was diagnosed with schizophrenia years ago before he turned up in Walford, but last year viewers saw he had stopped taking his medication, and he later dealt with stigmatising views from friends and family about he managed his mental health on a daily basis.
Stevie said at the time: "This is close to my heart, to be telling Isaac’s story is a privilege.
"I hope it will start a dialogue for people to have conversations about mental health and that anyone living with the condition will feel seen.
"Working with Mind has been so useful, I spoke to a young man who bravely shared his story and it was inspiring to learn how he’s managing his condition.
"There’s so much we think we know about schizophrenia, but it’s often not the reality for people living with the condition.
"I hope that anyone engaging with Isaac’s story will gain a better understanding and can approach someone they know that may be struggling from a more positive place."
News of his exit comes after it was revealed last week that Zack Morris (Keegan Butcher-Baker) will also be leaving the show, and Danny Dyer is to depart his role of Mick Carter later this year.