Steve John Shephard quits EastEnders

Steve John Shepherd has announced he is quitting EastEnders.

The actor, who plays Michael Moon, will be leaving Albert Square in a dramatic plot later this year after joining in October 2010.

Steve is quoted in The Daily Mirror as saying: "I feel now is the time to move on. I have relished every minute of exploring his character. The good and the bad! I feel extremely privileged to have had this amazing experience."

Lorraine Newman, EastEnders executive producer, added: "Steve John Shepherd's wonderful, enigmatic portrayal of Michael Moon has captivated the audience for the past two-and-a half years."

Viewers will see Michael face the wrath of wife Janine (Charlie Brooks), when she returns to Albert Square and finds Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) living with her husband and daughter Scarlett.

Lorraine added: "I am sure the audience will enjoy the suitably dramatic end we have planned for the character. With Janine's return on screen this month, there's sure to be plenty of fireworks to come."

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix.

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.