Entertainment

EastEnders star Aaron Sidwell is leaving the BBC One soap

The BBC has confirmed that the character of Steven Beale will be making his exit in the upcoming weeks.
The BBC has confirmed that the character of Steven Beale will be making his exit in the upcoming weeks. The BBC has confirmed that the character of Steven Beale will be making his exit in the upcoming weeks.

EastEnders actor Aaron Sidwell will leave the soap “following dramatic scenes” involving his character Steven Beale, the BBC has confirmed.

Sidwell, 28, returned to the BBC One soap last year after previously having played the character in 2008.

Steven Beale and Lauren Branning (BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Steven Beale and Lauren Branning (BBC/Kieron McCarron) (Kieron McCarron/BBC / Kieron McCarron)
Steven Beale and Lauren Branning (BBC/Kieron McCarron)

A BBC spokesperson said: “Aaron Sidwell is part of one of the big upcoming storylines and we can confirm, following dramatic scenes to be aired later this summer, he will be leaving the show.

“We wish Aaron all the very best for the future.”

Sidwell’s current storyline has seen Steven lying to Lauren Branning (played by Jacqueline Jossa), about having a brain tumour in a bid to make her stay with him.

The couple are also due to get married soon after Steven popped the question to ensure Lauren didn’t leave his side.

Steven proposed to Lauren much to everyone's surprise (BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Steven proposed to Lauren much to everyone's surprise (BBC/Kieron McCarron) (Kieron McCarron/BBC / Kieron McCarron)
Steven proposed to Lauren much to everyone’s surprise (BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Lauren’s sister, Abi Branning and her father Max, are both conspirators in the brain tumour lie and Steven also had a romantic liaison with Abi.

The BBC has not yet confirmed exactly when Sidwell’s last scenes will air.