EASTENDERS star Shane Richie is to take a break from the soap for a big money job worlds away from Albert Square.
The actor – who plays Alfie Moon in the BBC soap – will be appearing in panto over the Christmas season.
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He will take the leading role in Theatre Royal Plymouth’s production of Dick Whittington later this year.
The show runs from Friday December 12 until Saturday January 10.
And as a result Shane will have to take a short break from filming as Alfie Moon.
A source said: “Shane will be taking a short break from the soap but it won’t affect Alfie’s time on screen.”
Shane’s brief absence will mainly be covered by his Christmas break from the soap and with the filming schedules on soaps, it may mean Alfie won’t be leaving Walford for an extended period of time.
Shane isn’t the only Walford star to be doing panto this year.
Ellie Dadd, who plays Amy Mitchell in the BBC soap, will be spending a few weeks away from the East End after bagging herself a brand new stage gig.
It has been confirmed that Ellie, 19, has landed a big-money panto gig in Croydon this year.
She will be taking on the iconic role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Croydon Fairfield Halls.
Ellie will be entertaining audiences nightly between Friday, December 12, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
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Likewise Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, confirmed he would be appearing in The Alban Arena’s production of Aladdin.
EastEnders has been contacted for comment.