EastEnders stars Maddy Hill and Himesh Patel are leaving the show

EastEnders stars Maddy Hill and Himesh Patel are leaving their roles of Nancy Carter and Tamwar Masood in the BBC One soap.

Confirming the actor’s departures, Digital Spy reports that they have already filmed their final scenes which will air in the coming weeks. The BBC has not disclosed whether their characters will leave Walford together after resolving their relationship differences.

Hill made her first appearance as head-strong tomboy Nancy in January 2014, with the role seeing her pick up ‘Best Newcomer’ at 2014’s British Soap Awards and the National Television Awards in 2015.

“It was time for Nancy to take a break from her family and me from EastEnders after having a wonderful time working on the show. I was surrounded by a terrific team both on and off camera and I shall miss seeing them all on a daily basis, especially the fabulous Carter family.” – Maddy Hill told Digital Spy

Nancy recently called time on her relationship with Tamwar after doubting his commitment to their plans to start a business together and being left to run their pop-up restaurant at the launderette alone, leading to her suffering an absence seizure and wetting herself.

Patel has been a part of the EastEnders cast since 2007 with Tamwar’s storylines including various comedy plots such as impersonating the residents of Albert Square, a marriage to Afia Khan (Meryl Fernandes) and incurring horrific scarring in a fire started by Afia’s evil father Yusef. The actor also featured in online spinoff Tamwar Tales which focused on Tamwar’s occupation as the local Market Inspector.

“After almost nine years with Tamwar, it’s time to bid him farewell and explore pastures new. I’m looking forward to new challenges, perhaps on the stage or behind the camera. Whatever awaits me, I’ll miss my family at EastEnders immensely – they’ve watched me grow from boy to man and supported me every step of the way. It’s been a true privilege to work alongside them.” – Himesh Patel, also speaking to DS

Below Tamwar explains the true meaning of Islam to Nancy in a scene that was favourably received by critics and viewers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HAHRh5XNC8