Shaun Williamson has been axed from EastEnders because he didn't ask for permission to appear in a pantomime, according to The Sun today.

Williamson, better known to viewers as bungling Barry Evans, signed up to take part in a pantomime over Christmas 2003 without clearing it with BBC executives first.

The soap's executive producer Louise Berridge then took the decision to get rid of his character completely, the newspaper reports, rather than giving him a break like has been done with fellow stars Barbara Windsor and Steve McFadden.

"Shaun was stunned. He thought he would be able to go off and do panto and then come back," a source said. "But instead he was told to pack his bags. The producers were looking at who they were going to sack — and this sealed his fate."

Today Williamson confirmed he was leaving the show, but insisted that it was he who had decided to quit.

"I have accepted the lead in a Kevin Wood musical pantomime at The Marlowe in Canterbury for Christmas 2003," he said in a statement. "Unfortunately EastEnders contracts don't allow it so I have taken the decision to leave. EastEnders have generously extended my contract to run until November."

A BBC spokesman said that his character would be seen on screen into early 2004, but would not be drawn on the storyline surrounding his exit.

"Shaun accepted another engagement at the end of this year which would clash with his commitment to EastEnders," the spokesman said. "Regretfully therefore, we have only been able to extend his contract until November. It will keep Barry on screen into next year. We wish Shaun every success in the future."

Williamson is just the latest in a string of big name stars to leave or be axed from the show in recent months. Todd Carty, who played Mark Fowler, was dropped as part of a drive to get rid of "dead wood" shortly after the departure his on-screen wife Lisa Fowler, actress Lucy Benjamin. Jack Ryder's character Jamie Mitchell was killed off at Christmas after he decided to leave, whilst Dean Gaffney (Robbie Jackson) and his on-screen romance Nita were given their marching orders in January. Evil villain Trevor Morgan was killed off in a house fire last November and Barry's dad Roy, played by Tony Caunter, will die from a heart attack this week. The Square's resident doctor, Anthony Trueman, will also be waving goodbye later this month.