[Me. I Am Salman]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/e...g-soap-1759737

Sinister Michael Moon is leaving EastEnders in a nailbiting plot twist which bosses are keeping under wraps.

Actor Steve John Shepherd, who plays Alfie’s psychopathic younger cousin, is quitting Albert Square after three years in the role.

He said yesterday: “I feel now is the time to move on. I have relished every minute of exploring his character — the good and the bad.”

Shepherd was among the stars brought in by previous executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.

He quit recently to rejoin the E4 channel’s Hollyoaks after two years at the helm, during which EastEnders has seen the return of Kat and Alfie Moon and the death of Pat Evans.

A source said: “It’s the end for Michael. He has been an immensely popular character and everyone will be sad to see him go.”

Shepherd, 39, joined BBC1’s biggest soap in 2010.

He said: “I feel extremely privileged to have had this amazing experience and want to thank everybody — most importantly the fans of the show — for taking Michael and his numerous flaws into their hearts.”

The actor has been involved in some of the most explosive storylines in Walford, fathering a child with Kat (Jessie Wallace).

Previously, he played law clerk Jo in 90s cult drama This Life and appeared in 2004 movie Layer Cake with Daniel Craig and drama series Waking The Dead.

Producer Lorraine Newman said: “The audience will enjoy the dramatic end.

"With the return of Janine (Charlie Brooks) this month, expect plenty of fireworks.”
Shepherd goes just before the return of Gary Lucy, in June.

He left after his character banker Danny Pennant’s affair with Syed Masood.

Noooo this is awful news he's one of the only interesting characters left, he had so much depth