Actor Alex Ferns, who plays EastEnders' violent, wife-beating character Trevor Morgan, is to leave the BBC soap before the end of the year.

Ferns, 33, who has been involved in some of the show's most dramatic storylines over the past 12 months, said it was not his decision to leave but he was happy with the way things had worked out.

Although details of Trevor's departure have not been revealed, Ferns promised that the character would have an "explosive" finale.

Louise Berridge, executive producer of EastEnders, said: "Trevor Morgan is one of the best villains that EastEnders has ever had and Alex is one of our finest actors.

Little Mo's trial was a key storyline

"However, Trevor needs to have his come-uppance, meaning that Alex will be leaving the show later this year."

Ferns' role saw him become one of the most hated men on TV after months of abusing his screen wife, Little Mo Morgan, played by actress Kacey Ainsworth.

The controversial storyline reached its peak on New Year's Eve when she hit back, attacking her husband with an iron.

Her subsequent trial for attempted murder, at which she was found guilty and jailed for eight years, created such outrage among viewers that several Free Little Mo campaigns were organised in the media.

Awards

Ferns, meanwhile, found himself the subject of death threats from fans who had taken the show a little too seriously.

But his powerful performance landed him two trophies at this year's British Soap Awards - best newcomer and best villain.

"It is good that Trevor is leaving because you can only take a character like this so far," he told The Sun.

The actor is currently appearing in the long-running play Art, in London's West End, and is about to become a father for the first time.

Departures

He is also the latest EastEnders star to announce his departure from the soap.

Todd Carty, who plays Mark Fowler, Lucy Benjamin, who plays his wife Lisa and Jack Ryder (Jamie Mitchell) will all be leaving in the near future.

Colm O'Maonlai, who plays fireman Tom Banks, is also to leave the long-running series.