Karl Howman to leave EastEnders
Brush Strokes star Karl Howman is leaving EastEnders after almost two years as Buster Briggs.
The actor has already filmed his final scenes for the BBC One soap, Digital Spy notes.
What those entail has not been disclosed, but Buster’s affair with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) behind Shirley’s (Linda Henry) back is expected to be a factor in his departure.
Howman made his first appearance as Buster in November 2014 with former Executive Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins touting the character as someone “whose appearance on the Square would open old wounds and reignite old passions” beforehand.
Buster was later revealed to be a long-time recurring love interest of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and the father of her sons Mick (Danny Dyer) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo), a fact he was only made aware of after reuniting with Shirley in 2014.
Buster’s time in the Square has seen him and Shirley gain custody of granddaughter Jade who they later decided would be better off with her mum, reject Dean after he finally admitted to raping Mick’s wife Linda (Kellie Bright), and begin an affair with Kathy after feeling unwanted by Shirley. His last scenes are expected to air in a few weeks time.
Howman is best known for his role in Brush Strokes. He starred in all five series as the lead character of Jacko, a cheeky painter from South London with an eye for the ladies. The Esmonde and Larbey sitcom aired between 1986 and 1991 on BBC One.
The actor is also well remembered for a series of adverts for Flash.
