[Scarlett.]

EastEnders stars Zöe Lucker and Charlie G. Hawkins are to bow out from the soap later this year, Digital Spy can confirm.

The pair, who play Vanessa Gold and Darren Miller on the BBC show, will film their final scenes in the coming months ahead of on-screen exits in the summer.

Vanessa has been tipped for an explosive departure storyline as her stint as Max Branning's latest love interest comes to a close, while details of how Darren's seven-year stay in Albert Square will end have yet to be revealed.

Confirming Lucker's departure, a show spokesperson told DS: "Zöe was brought into EastEnders for a storyline playing Max's love interest and will go out with a bang. Zöe has done a fabulous job of bringing the character of Vanessa to life and the door has been left wide open for her return."

A Walford insider added: "Vanessa has proved to be a popular character and although her exit storyline will be explosive, there is every belief that she may return to the Square in the future."

Charlie G Hawkins
Meanwhile, in a statement released confirming his decision to depart, Hawkins thanked the EastEnders team and executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.

The 20-year-old commented: "I've enjoyed my time at EastEnders immensely, it's been a terrific chapter in my life and I've loved every minute of it.

"I've had tremendous support throughout my duration on the show and I would like to thank Bryan and the whole team for believing in me."

Lucker, previously best known for her role as superbitch Tanya Turner in Footballers' Wives, has been with EastEnders for a year, while Hawkins has been part of the cast since late 2004.

DS can also confirm that Kylie Babbington, who plays ditzy Jodie Gold, is sticking with the soap despite the departures of her on-screen mum and boyfriend.

[Jords]

Wonder how theyll make Jodie staying work? Glad though!

[Smithy]

I swear to god if Tanya gets back with Max

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Smithy

I swear to god if Tanya gets back with Max

This -_________________-

[Stacey.]

Omgz I like them both

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Smithy

I swear to god if Tanya gets back with Max

course she will, feckin idot!

Vanessa was a **** character anyway

[Jords]

Vanessa is alright, wasted actress mind..

[Locke.]

No big loss

[joeysteele]

I won't miss them.

[Maia]

Will be sad to see Darren go, the last remaining Miller

[Kerry]

I won't miss either. Sick to death of Vanessa's white clothes.

[Marsh.]

I bet Zoe Lucker got sick of wearing that atrocious wig.
Well, I hope for her sake it's a wig anyway.

She would have been great if they'd actually given her something to do, she was wasted.

Suppose they're being cut off the payroll to make room for the new Moon family members which are arriving in summer. So, I see the show going back to the way it was in August/September, "The Kat and Alfie Show". Joy...

[Jordan.]

DS can also confirm that Kylie Babbington, who plays ditzy Jodie Gold, is sticking with the soap despite the departures of her on-screen mum and boyfriend.

All I wanted to know

[Callum]

Vanessa was wasted and Darren Miller doesn't have much to show for his years on the show. Can't say I'll miss them.

[Tom4784]

Vanessa was wasted and Darren was a perpetual side character really. Neither are a big loss.

[dannyboy]

I won't miss either of them. That said, the two characters I'd most like to see leave are Fatboy and Mercy. Still can't stand either of them!