Peter Beale actor Ben Hardy to leave EastEnders

EastEndersBen Hardy is leaving EastEnders at the conclusion of his contract. He has played Peter Beale in the soap since 2013.

“We can confirm Ben will be leaving EastEnders at the end of his contract.” – EastEnders Spokesperson

Digital Spy reached out to EastEnders after rumours began circulating overnight that the actor has been shortlisted to play a young Cyclops in the next X-Men film Apocalypse.

The intricacies of how Peter will leave Walford, such as how and when, have not been divulged by show chiefs.

Hardy, who has also starred in a number of theatre productions, made his first appearance as Peter in June 2013, taking over from previous actor Thomas Law who played the role between 2006-2010.

Since his return to Walford Peter has had romances with Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and was left grief-stricken after his twin sister Lucy was killed in April.

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One, with a weekly omnibus also on the channel and erratically scheduled repeats on BBC Three. Viewers can also catch up online via BBC iPlayer.