Danny Dyer has admitted he had wanted to quit EastEnders 'for a while' as he speaks out for the first time since announcing his departure from the soap.
The actor, 44, is leaving his role as Mick Carter on the BBC series after nine years and said he now wants to try other things.
Speaking on his Sorted With The Dyers podcast, he said: 'When you're in a job like a soap your contract comes up for renewal and every time it has they've asked me to stay, and I'm very grateful for that. Because I've seen a lot of people come and go. It's very tough.
Candid: Danny Dyer has admitted he had wanted to quit EastEnders 'for a while' as he speaks out for the first time since announcing his departure from the soap
'I always debate whether I want to sign again and I've been contemplating a while now about whether it's time to roll the dice, take the leap.
'The big news is I've decided not to renew my contract. That's all. That's not because I've fallen out with anybody, I love everybody. That job has been amazing for me. It's an important part of television.'
The soap star insisted there's no 'big story' behind his departure, other than he wants to try other things.
He said he knows some people will be sad to see him leave Albert Square while others might be pleased.
Moving on: The actor, 44, is leaving his role as Mick Carter on the BBC series after nine years and said he now wants to try other things
Danny added that he has played Mick for nine years and now thinks the character needs to be rested.
The actor, who said he has always been ambitious, is still looking for his 'defining role' and wants to have 'another go'.
Danny admitted it feels weird to walk away from a job that has been such a big part of his life, but he thinks the time is right.
The actor promised EastEnders fans that Mick's exit is going to be 'very powerful' and the door will be left open for him to return to Walford.
Speaking to his daughter Dani, he said: 'Let me tell you something - Mick's exit is going to be a very, very powerful thing. I would love the door to be left open, and as far as I know it is.
Danny said: 'I always debate whether I want to sign again and I've been contemplating a while now about whether it's time to roll the dice, take the leap'
So, who knows. When I go out there and I fail miserably I can come back with my tail between my legs and go: 'Will you take me back?'
'But I just want to send out some love to everyone at EastEnders. I love you all very much. It'll be a sad year for me, but I'm also very excited about it.
'So, we're going to attack this year, and we're going to make this year, we're going to craft it, we're going to manipulate it, and we're going to make this year a f***ing special one.'
It comes after Danny reportedly signed up to a new drama series with Sky for a six-figure sum.
Potential return: The actor promised EastEnders fans that Mick's exit is going to be 'very powerful' and the door will be left open for him to return to Walford
A spokesperson for the BBC show confirmed that Danny would be leaving Walford later this year, but insisted that there will still be more drama in store for Mick ahead of his exit.
The spokesperson said: 'Danny will be leaving EastEnders when his contract comes to an end later this year.
'Danny has made Mick Carter an iconic character which we shall always be grateful for, however we won't be saying goodbye just yet as there's still quite some time – and
