EastEnders actor Khali Best written out of soap

EastEnders star Khali Best has been axed from the soap.

The Daily Star Sunday reports that Best’s character of Dexter Hartman will depart Walford before Christmas, after the decision was taken not to renew his contract.

“We can ­confirm that Khali Best will be written out of EastEnders before Christmas. We wish him all the best for the future.” – EastEnders spokesperson

The actor’s inappropriate conduct off-screen led to a three-month suspension from the show earlier this year, which a Walford source insists isn’t a factor in his impending departure from the serial.

“The decision had nothing to do with his suspension. The character just isn’t working.”

Dexter’s biggest storyline to date saw him build bridges with his estranged father Sam (Cornell S John) to whom he donated a kidney. However, the storyline ended on a bitter note for Dexter when Sam subsequently shirked his fatherly duties once more.

Other on screen developments have seen him form a bond with his maternal grandmother Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and a close friendship with Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick).

Best made his first appearance in EastEnders in January 2013.