EastEnders star Lindsey Coulson to leave Carol Jackson role

Carol - who in the last year has been seen adjusting to life following a battle with breast cancer and the exit of childhood sweetheart David Wicks - is to depart later this year, although show bosses are currently keeping the storyline under wraps.

“I have had a fantastic time playing the formidable Carol Jackson however, although I’ll miss everything about EastEnders, I feel the time is right for me to move on. I’ve been involved in so many wonderful stories as Carol and now it’s time for me to play some different characters and tell some new ones," Coulson said of her decision to leave.

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: “EastEnders has always been so lucky to have an actress of Lindsey’s calibre in the company – but we always knew that it wasn’t indefinitely.

"We were thrilled when Lindsey signed for another year to play Carol’s breast cancer story – and Lindsey’s nuanced, brave and utterly real performance rightfully won her an award and praise from viewers, charities and women who have been through similar experiences to Carol.

"The door will always be open for Carol’s return and we wish Lindsey huge love and luck as she embraces new roles away from Walford.”

Lindsey Coulson's association with EastEnders stretches back to 1993, with key plotlines including the death of Carol's son Billie and a love triangle relationship between Carol, Dan Sullivan and Bianca.

Her decision to leave comes following screen daughter Patsy Palmer's departure in September 2014, while James Forde - who plays Carol's grandson Liam Butcher - will also be exiting later in 2015.

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