Danny Dyer has broken his silence on his decision to end his long-running stint as Mick Carter on EastEnders, saying it was time for him to "roll the dice" and find a "defining role".
A few days ago it was announced that the 44-year-old actor, who has played the Queen Vic landlord in the popular BBC One soap since 2013, would be leaving EastEnders when his contract comes to an end later this year.
Dyer has now publicly commented on the departure on his podcast Sorted with the Dyers alongside daughter Dani, who has previously had a cameo appearance in the soap.
He confirmed: "I am leaving EastEnders. I'm very lucky, I’m very grateful.
"When you're in a job like a soap your contract comes up for renewal and every time it has they’ve asked me to stay, and I’m very grateful for that. Because I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. It’s very tough.
"I always debate whether I want to sign again and I’ve been contemplating a while now about whether it’s time to roll the dice, take the leap."
The actor denied rumours he had been "poached" by another show, saying: "I've not been poached by anybody, that's not true at all. The big news is I’ve decided not to renew my contract. That’s all.
"That’s not because I’ve fallen out with anybody, I love everybody. That job has been amazing for me. It’s an important part of television.
"I’m grateful for the beautiful years I’ve had there. I’m going to miss the people massively. It’s me taking a risk."
The English star was candid about his acting hopes for the future.
"I'm deciding to go off and try other stuff. I'm 44 now, I've had 9 years of playing Mick and I think he needs to be rested for a bit," he shared.
"I'm still looking for that defining role. Maybe it is there, maybe it isn't. But I’ve always been quite ambitious and I had quite a long career before I went into EastEnders."
The actor teased of his exit storyline: "Let me tell you something – Mick's exit is going to be a very, very powerful thing. I would love the door to be left open, and as far as I know it is.
"So who knows. When I go out there and I fail miserably I can come back with my tail between my legs and go, 'Will you take me back?'
"But I just want to send out some love to everyone at EastEnders. I love you all very much.
"It’ll be a sad year for me, but I’m also very excited about it. So we’re going to attack this year, and we’re going to make this year a special one."
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
