Another 'Eastenders' star gets the axe

Eastenders star Gary Beadle (Paul Trueman) has become the latest star to be axed from the soap, the News of the World reports today.

BBC bosses - who claim that Beadle's character has "run out of steam" - are discussing how to write him out of the show and have said he will definitely be gone by the end of the year.

An insider said: "He's devastated he's going. It's given him a real jolt. He loved working for the show and is putting on a brave face."

The axing comes as Beadle is set to return from his 'two-month break', forced upon him for not learning his lines.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed yesterday: "The producers have been having dicussions with Gary about his character for some time."

Many other cast members have also left the Square or been sacked this year. The others include: Charlie Brooks (Janine Evans), Shaun Williamson (Barry Evans), Todd Carty (Mark Fowler), Lucy Benjamin (Lisa Fowler), Elaine Lordan (Lynne Hobbs), Hannah Waterman (Laura Beale), Sid Owen (Ricky Butcher), Lucy Speed (Natalie Evans) and Tony Caunter (Roy Evans). Other favourites including Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell), Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) are on extended absence.