An EastEnders star has confirmed they have left the BBC soap, having only returned for to our TV screens in November last year.

Louisa Lytton who plays the role of Ruby Allen revealed she left Walford “a couple of weeks ago” after a “prolonged stint” but is hoping to come back soon.

Ruby arrived back in Albert Square in 2024 (following a three-year break) to reveal she had a secret son called Roman with Martin Fowler – a timely reunion ahead of his tragic death in February.

But the daughter of gangster Johnny Allen has no idea Martin confessed his love to Stacey Slater, moments before he died.

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton confirms soap exit

However, ahead of Martin’s funeral taking place, Louisa confirmed her EastEnders exit to The Sun.

The 36-year-old actress explained to the publisher: “I left EastEnders a couple of weeks ago.”

She continued: “I was only back for six months, to tie in with the 40th and Martin’s exit.

“It’s always good to come and go and I never see it as a big thing when I leave because I can be back again!

“It’s all been left open.”

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Ruby first arrived on the BBC soap in 2005 and stayed for a year before her father Johnny was killed off.

She returned in 2018 but left once again in 2021 when she was framed for a drugs crime and went to prison while pregnant with Martin’s son.

EastEnders' James Bye opens up about his 'emotional' exit

James, who played the role of Martin for 11 years, recently recalled how Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater), became "emotional" during rehearsals for the 40th anniversary live episode, which aired earlier this year.

On preparing for his exit from the soap, according to Digital Spy, he said: “I don't think she'll mind me saying this, but Lacey was upset throughout all the rehearsals.

“She couldn't hide the fact she was sobbing. I told her she didn't need to cry all the time. She said: ‘I can't help it. I've got no control.’

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“Then, at the final rehearsal, I lost it.

“When Stacey walked away to talk to the paramedic, it was like an out-of-body experience. She came back and I had tears pouring down my face.”

Newsquest has contacted EastEnders for comment.