A popular EastEnders character has become the latest star to leave the show as a new era begins. It's been a period of change for the BBC soap, with the show's Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw finishing his time in the role this week after three years in charge. James Bye left the role of Martin Fowler after 11 years last month, and Reiss Colwell actor Jonny Freeman departed after two years. It was also confirmed in January that Natalie Cassidy and Patsy Palmer, who play Sonia and Bianca Jackson, will be saying goodbye to Albert Square. The pair's exit is expected to occur following Martin's funeral in several weeks time. However, it is now being reported that Felix Baker, who has been played by Matthew James Morrison since 2022, is the next character leaving. A source told The Sun : "It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave. Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix.” A BBC spokesperson later confirmed 'Matthew will be leaving EastEnders later in the year' and they 'wish him all the best for the future'. The son of Avery and Celia Baker and the half-brother of Finlay arrived in the summer of 2022, quickly becoming a favourite among fans of the programme. Fans praised Felix for being a strong representation for the LGBTQIA+, with the character often appearing in drag as their alter-ego Tara Misu. Speaking about the role in 2022, Matthew said: "I am blessed to have the opportunity to step into the heels of the fierce Tara Misu as part of my role on EastEnders. "It’s a privilege to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and to showcase the creative art of drag to both viewers at home and the residents of Walford." It's unclear if more exits are on the horizon as Ben Wadey prepares to return to the show after overseeing Hollyoaks as Channel 4's Commissioning Executive for several years. Ben previously worked on EastEnders as the show's Story Editor, helping out with the show's 35th anniversary in 2020, which saw the highly-discussed boat crash that claimed the life of Sharon Watt's son Dennis Rickman Jr. "I'm thrilled to be returning to EastEnders at such an exciting time for the show. Having grown up watching and loving EastEnders, it sparked my passion for television, and I feel I’ve known the residents of Walford my entire life – so to lead this iconic BBC soap into its next chapter is a true privilege. "I can't wait to collaborate with the exceptional team at EastEnders and build on Chris Clenshaw’s brilliant work to deliver unmissable stories to fans - both those who have been watching for years and those just discovering Albert Square," Ben said.