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Marc Elliott and John Partridge are to leave EastEnders, it has been announced.

The duo, who play lovers Syed Masood and Christian Clarke, will be written out of the BBC soap in November in a dramatic storyline currently being kept under wraps.

Digital Spy can confirm that Elliott informed EastEnders bosses of his intention to leave back in February. Show chiefs and Partridge then reached the mutual decision that Christian should depart screens at the same time as Syed.

Executive producer Lorraine Newman explained: "Marc and John have been a fantastic part of EastEnders and the characters of Syed and Christian have been a huge success for the show.

"Their storylines have broken boundaries that have not been seen in a soap before, and the love for them by the viewers can be seen in the 'Chryed' fans.

"When Marc announced he had decided to move on, we had a tough decision to make and after numerous conversations, which included John, it was decided that there is only one outcome for Syed and Christian. We wish them both all the best for the future."

Elliott, who joined the series in 2009, said: "I have had a brilliant time on EastEnders over the last three and a half years and made some amazing friends. During this time, I have been blessed with some incredible storylines and am especially pleased that the show has tackled and raised awareness of the sensitive subject matter of being a gay Muslim.

"As an actor you are always looking for new challenges, and I feel that now is the right time to move on and explore different projects, perhaps returning to my roots in theatre. I would like to thank everyone at EastEnders for the wonderful opportunity they have given me and for making this experience so much fun."

Partridge, who first appeared as Christian in 2008, added: "I have had the time of my life at EastEnders - but I have always gone with my gut - and leaving at the same time as Marc felt like the ONLY thing to do. It is the right end to the story and for Christian. But also, excitingly, the start of a whole new chapter for me."

Earlier this week, Masood Ahmed actor Nitin Ganatra teased that Syed would return to the "dodgy dealings" of his younger days in a future storyline.

Meanwhile, EastEnders newcomer Gary Lucy's character Danny Pennant is rumoured to be involved in a love triangle with Syed and Christian when he arrives in Walford.