Ricky Norwood has been axed from 'EastEnders.'
Ricky Norwood
The 28-year-old actor - who has portrayed loveable Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb on the show for five years - will film his final scenes for the BBC One soap next week, with his emotional exit being aired on TV screens in the run-up to Christmas.
A spokesman for the show told The Daily Mirror newspaper: "We can confirm Ricky is leaving. We wish him all the best."
An programme insider added: "He has been great to have around and a decent bloke to have on set."
Ricky's departure comes 16 months after he was suspended for eight weeks when a short video clip emerged of him allegedly smoking marijuana while performing a sex act.
The eight-and-a-half minute film, taken from a private Skype call, was being touted for sale to an x-rated website.
A statement from BBC said at the time: "Ricky Norwood has been suspended from the show for a period of two months with immediate effect. In addition, Ricky would like to apologise to 'EastEnders' viewers for any offence caused and for bringing the show into disrepute."
Ricky strolled onto Albert Square in 2010 after he appeared in the online spin-off show 'E20.'
And he soon became a hit with the viewers as he walked away with the Most Popular Newcomer prize at the National Television Awards just a few months later in 2011.
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