EastEnders star Jack Ryder, who plays Jamie Mitchell in the hit soap, is facing a reported �20,000 fine following an apparent breach of his contract.

No clear offence was given, but reports have suggested that Ryder angered BBC bosses by endorsing a series of companies in a celebrity magazine, following his recent marriage to former Hear'Say singer Kym Marsh.

The couple, who are thought to have been paid �300,000 by the magazine for coverage of their wedding, reportedly plugged a menswear shop and a hotel in the feature.

However, EastEnders cast members are not allowed to endorse products without permission because the BBC is banned from publicising commercial interests.

An EastEnders spokesperson said that �20,000 - one fifth of Ryder's annual salary on the show - if enforced, would be the highest fine ever given to one of their cast members.

Ryder is leaving Albert Square in November after four years on the show.

Jessie Wallace plays Kat Slater in the hit soap

Meanwhile co-star Jessie Wallace, who stars as Kat Slater, has been suspended from EastEnders for two months, also over an apparent breach of contract.

The suspension is thought to be disciplinary, following a string of alleged incidents which have seen the 30-year-old actress hitting the headlines.

Wallace was reportedly involved in a scuffle with fellow EastEnders actress Hannah Waterman, who plays Laura Beale, at a party in March, and was accused of attacking a cab driver last Christmas.

Her suspension will begin in January next year.

Wallace is not the first member of the Slater family to take time out from the soap. Actress Elaine Lordan, who stars as her older sister Lynne, took three months off last year following a drink-driving charge.

Michelle Ryan, who plays Kat's daughter Zoe, is on leave after doctors ordered her to take a break from the show.