We do love a bit of Alfie and Kat Moon on EastEnders but it seems their days may be numbered – Shane Richie, who plays Alfie, is reportedly thinking of leaving the show.
The actor is currently taking a break from the BBC soap to film a six-part spin-off with Jessie Wallace, who plays his on-screen wife Kat.
But Shane may leave the series next year meaning Alfie, who has a brain tumour, may be killed off.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “The BBC knows how much of a favourite Alfie is, and wouldn’t dream of axing him. But he has started to question his future as Alfie.
“He has really enjoyed going off and working on other acting projects, and if he wants to go, there’s nothing the BBC can do to stop him.”
Shane first joined EastEnders in 2002 and appeared for three years before leaving, but he returned in 2010.
His departure has not yet been confirmed but BBC bosses are unsure how long Shane’s return to Albert Square as Alfie will last.
*GALLERY: EastEnders shoots in heat! *