The BBC has confirmed that actors Roger Sloman and Lin Blakley, who play Pam and Les Coker, will leave EastEnders when their contracts expire this year
EastEnders is saying goodbye to actors Roger Sloman and Lin Blakley, who play Les and Pam Coker in the long-running BBC soap.
The pair, who play the husband and wife of a family-run funeral business, have come to the end of their contracts.
A BBC spokesman said: “We can confirm that Roger and Lin will be leaving EastEnders later this year. They have been a pleasure to work with and we wish them all the best for the future.”
In EastEnders, the Cokers are grieving for their grandson Paul (Jonny Labey) whose tragic death was the result of a homophobic attack. It appears show bosses felt the pair had run their course.
An insider said: “Pam and Les have been a big part of the show over the past few months and, with their current storyline, bosses felt that it was to the right time for their characters to leave the Square. There is still plenty more drama to come from the Cokers before they leave Walford.”
Speculation among fans has now turned to how the couple will make their exit.
Recently, fans watched as Les suffered a major health scare with his heart. Pam and Les’s marriage has been under great strain ever since she found out about his cross-dressing.
The situation was made worse when villainous Aunt Babe (Annette Badland) blackmailed them with the threat of exposing the secret.
Pam Coker makes another staggering discovery about Les in EastEnders
Paul Coker dead in EastEnders shock! Jonny Labey reveals 'it was so hard to keep it secret'
EastEnders special: 6 ways the Cokers can stop evil blackmailer Aunt Babe!
EastEnders' Roger Sloman: 'I took Christine's outfit away on holiday and wore it inside every day'
TV's 11 Most Annoying Pensioners
