Parker given "indefinite leave" from 'EastEnders'

EastEnders actor Chris Parker has been given "as much time off as he needs" from the soap after he was rushed to hospital on Sunday night.

The 21-year-old, "distraught" over false rumours concerning his sexuality, checked into London's Marriott Hotel at the weekend.

The Sun claims today that the young actor made a "cry for help" by taking an overdose of paracetemol and slashing his wrists in his hotel room. Staff alerted the police and he was rushed to hospital.

He has since been discharged and is said to be resting up in a secret location. EastEnders producers have excused him of all filming commitments while he recovers; scripts are being hastily changed to explain his absence from the show.