Two of 'EastEnders' most popular characters, a mother and daughter, are set to leave the soap later this year.
According to Digital Spy, Stacey Branning and Jean Slater, played by Lacey Turner and Gillian Wright respectively, will depart the show soon.
Reports suggest that Stacey may return to Albert Square in the future but Jean's future is unclear.
Speaking about her decision to leave the show, Turner, who has played Stacey for six years, said: "I've had the most fantastic time at 'EastEnders'. Stacey has been such a brilliant role for me to play, as has being part of the feisty Slater family."
"I'm so lucky to have had such challenging storylines, from the affair with Max and being diagnosed with bipolar to the complete shock of being revealed as Archie's killer during the live 25th Anniversary episode."
"I'll miss Stacey and everyone in Albert Square very much but the time has come to try something different."
Wright, who plays Jean, said: "It's been an honour to play Jean especially as the public response to her has always been so supportive. It's been a real privilege to be able to heighten awareness of bipolar disorder."
"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with my onscreen Slater family, in particular working with Lacey and developing such a great rapport over the years."
Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood promised a "typically dramatic Slater family exit" when the pair leave the show later this year.
