EastEnders star Jonny Labey to leave Paul Coker role

Jonny Labey EastEnders

Jonny Labey is to bow out from the role of Paul Coker in EastEnders later this year.

Les (Roger Sloman) and Pam Coker’s (Lin Blakley) grandson is set to depart Walford in an ‘explosive storyline’ after the BBC One soap’s bosses decided to write out the character a while ago.

“We can confirm Jonny will be leaving the show later this year. We wish him all the best for the future.” – EastEnders spokesperson

Paul arrived in Albert Square to stay with his grandparents in June 2015, after a few years in sunnier climes travelling and working as a club rep. Storylines have seen him appease his nan’s guilt over the role she played in his father’s death, suspect his grandfather of having an affair with Claudette Hubbard (Ellen Thomas), and have a secret relationship with Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid).

In next week’s episodes Paul and Ben kiss in the Queen Vic following Ben’s recent split from Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), but their romance meets objection from Pam and Ben’s father Phil (Steve McFadden).

“Jonny is leaving in a couple of months as part of an explosive storyline. Bosses are keeping tight-lipped about what’s in store but there’s plenty of drama in store for Paul before he leaves.” – EastEnders spokesperson

The actor won’t be looking for roles in Casualty or Holby City any time soon as he has already secured the lead role in the stage play Verge of Strife where the Jersey-born performer will star as poet Rupert Brooke when the show launches in Edinburgh this August.

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EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One, with repeat screenings on UKTV’s W at 10.00pm. Viewers can also catch up online via BBC iPlayer.

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