Following the news that Barbara Windsor is leaving 'EastEnders', fans face an anxious few months while another of the soap's iconic stars decides whether to stay with the BBC show.
Actor Steve McFadden has said he may quit his role as 'EastEnders' hardman Phil Mitchell when his current contract ends this summer.
The Sun reports that McFadden has said he is "absolutely gutted" that co-star Windsor, who plays screen mother Peggy Mitchell, is leaving this year.
Asked if he would consider leaving the soap, McFadden said: "Yeah, I really would. I'm not leaving yet. My contract's up in August. Then we'll see."
Of Windsor's departure, he added: "I'm sure they will leave the door open for her - they'd be mad not to. Her leaving will be a massive hole for the show and for me personally as well."
The paper reports that the makers of the show have begun writing Windsor's exit storyline.
