It’s understood that the British actor, who plays Teddy Mitchell – Billy Mitchell’s secret half-brother – has already filmed his final scenes.

Roland, 46, was expected to introduce a new branch of Mitchell family members to Albert Square upon his arrival with on-screen sons, Elijah Holloway and Lewis Bridgeman.

But despite his success in The Football Factory and Rise of the Footsoldier, he has now become the latest star to leave the show, according to The Sun.

A source told the publication: ‘Roland took a big risk agreeing to join EastEnders after his long and successful career in film.

‘There was big hopes for the Mitchells being revitalised by the new family but things obviously changed for some reason and the material just wasn’t there for Teddy.

‘Bosses made the decision that the character had run his course and that was that. It seems such a waste.’

The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.

An EastEnders spokeswoman told the Sun: ‘We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future.’

And this is not the only change the programme has seen this year as Ronni Ancona is set to join the cast.

The actress, 57, is heading to Walford for a stint to play Bea – Linda Carter’s acquaintance from school.

On joining the cast, Ronni said: ‘I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea.

‘I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life.’

In scenes that are set to air in the New Year, Linda and Bea come face-to-face at their high school reunion, but it quickly becomes apparent that they both have different accounts of their time at school.

As Bea settles into Walford, she soon finds herself in the heart of the drama, and while little is currently known about her backstory, she is sure to leave a lasting impression on all those she encounters.

EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Ronni Ancona to EastEnders playing the character of Bea.

‘Bea’s character is mysterious, and we’re thrilled to have an esteemed actress and comedian like Ronni playing her.’

Ronni has forged her own path onto the show, having previously impersonated EastEnders very own Peggy Mitchell, Sharon Watts and Kat Slater on the BBC One comedy sketch show The Big Impression.

The comedian is best known for her role in the BAFTA-winning show, for which she received great acclaim after it drew in audiences of 15 million.

Co-starring with Alistair McGowan, the show made herself and former boyfriend two of the biggest stars on television after it was launched in 2000.

The new addition to the cast comes after EastEnders waved goodbye to two of its stars this week – as a duo headed off to Australia in emotional scenes that aired on Tuesday night.

Bobbie Brazier and Molly Rainford, who play Freddie Slater and Anna Knight, both said their farewells as their storyline saw them head off to travel Australia.

The shock double exit by the show stars, who have been on screen since 2022 and 2023, didn’t see them get their iconic duff-duff ending, as the BBC soap continued after they walked hand-in-hand from Albert Square.

Instead, the duo were seen leaving Walford in the penultimate scene as they were waved off by their on-screen friends and family.

Standing outside the Queen Vic, they were joined by the likes of Gillian Wright’s Jean Slater and Anna’s dad George, played by Colin Salmon, and sister Gina (Francesca Henry), for the goodbye scene.

Taking each other’s hands, Freddie and Anna walked side by side under the Christmas lights out of Albert Square, as Jean called out: ‘Love you!’

‘I love YOU,’ Freddie shouted back, as Anna chimed in, calling out towards dad George: ‘I love you,’ to which he shouted back: ‘Look after yourselves.’

Jean was left in tears watching the young couple, who decided to become a couple last year after her ex-boyfriend Bobby Beale left the Square, disappear.