Pam St Clement will leave Eastenders after 25 years in the BBC soap, it has been announced.
The 69-year-old actress will depart her role as Pat Evans later this year, although details of how she will leave are not yet known.
She said of leaving the soap: "I have enjoyed 25 and a half wonderful years in EastEnders creating the character of Pat but feel it's time to hang up her earrings.
"Leaving the EastEnders 'family' will be akin to a bereavement, but I'm looking forward to the other work and life opportunities that I will have the time to pursue."
EastEnders executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "In Pat Harris-Beale-Wicks-Butcher-Evans, Pam St Clement has created one of the most iconic and loved characters in British TV history.
"Over the years we've seen her develop from a shrew into a matriarch, and Pat's colour, warmth and steel have given EastEnders some of its most memorable stories. Pam will be missed by everyone in Walford, and we wish her the very best of luck in everything that comes next."
He added: "Although it's too early to talk about how Pat will leave the Square, we can assure viewers it will culminate in a fitting storyline, not to be missed."
St Clement is currently the second longest-serving cast member after Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale).
