Shane Richie has promised fans he's not leaving EastEnders for good. Fans panicked after he appeared to hint that he wouldn't return. However, Shane has cleared up the rumours by tweeting: 'Lovely people, seems I've been mis-quoted, I'm NOT leaving EastEnders.'
His character Alfie Moon will be taking a break from the Square to pave the way for a new BBC spin-off featuring Alife and Cat, played by Jessie Wallace.
The six part drama series will follow the couple as they move to Ireland, in an attempt to start a new life together.
Speaking recently about the spin-off, EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "We want to create something big around them. EastEnders as a brand can afford to do it and I’ve always wanted to do something like that. I’m from Ireland originally, so it’s a place I know well. Shane's Irish, Jessie’s half Irish – so, there’s an Irish connection between all of us.
"The other important thing about the spin-off show is it’s not just about Kat and Alfie – we’ve created a whole new world and a new lot of characters. The writers have created a really lovely, interesting world, but also with our style of storytelling."
