Jessie Wallace's character, Kat Slater, is set to leave EastEnders on November 5 after her marriage collapses.

Jessie is re-assessing her priorities in the light of recent problems with high blood pressure and the baby she is carrying, and although her short-term plan is to take a year off, the situation may be more final. Caring for the baby may well become her top priority.

Her partner, Dave Morgan, told Closer magazine: "I'm not sure if Jessie will go back or not. We are so excited and can't wait to have the baby. We're happier than we've ever been."

EastEnders bosses optimistically think that Jessie will return to the show in mid-2005.