There have been rumours for a while that Danny Dyer would be taking a break from EastEnders, but it has been confirmed by the soap today. Dyer, who has played Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter since Christmas Day 2013, will be leaving for a bit but he is set to return to his role.

There was speculation that the actor had 'fallen off the wagon' and would be axed from the soap, but the BBC have stated that it wasn't the decision of EastEnders producers, a spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Danny is on a short break from EastEnders. This was not enforced by bosses, nor has he quit the show."

Danny had hinted last month about leaving the show as his current contract is up for renewal later in the year.

"We'll have to see then [at the end of the contract]', he said. "Four years is a long time. It's been really rewarding but there's other stuff out there. I'd love to show other sides to me. I loved theatre and all that."

The actor hasn't revealed his reasons for the break yet, nor do we know how he will be temporarily written out. He is currently in the midst of a few complicated storylines that sees him struggling with financial difficulties as well as getting his head around that kiss with daughter-in-law Whitney.

Whatever way the soap decides to do it, Mick will definitely be missed around Albert Square.