EastEnders' Ruby leaving the show

Award-winning EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton is leaving the show, a BBC spokeswoman has confirmed.

The 17-year-old has played Ruby Allen in the soap since May 2005. She is set to leave in November and bosses are planning a "dramatic exit".

Last month, Louisa scooped the Sexiest Female gong at the British Soap Awards, where EastEnders took home a total of seven awards.

A BBC spokeswoman said Louisa had been a "popular cast member".

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She added: "We are currently planning a dramatic exit for her character and we wish her the best of luck for the future."