Ben Fitzgerald to leave Ramsay Street

Neighbours star Blake O'Leary has left the soap after three years in the role of Ramsay Street youngster Ben Fitzgerald.

Australian viewers will see the actor's alter ego bow out next month as he leaves his old life behind to attend a boarding school for the gifted.

Ben's departure storyline comes after his mum Libby (Kym Valentine) makes the surprise discovery that he is a genius.

According to a report on the Perfect Blend fansite, while there are currently no plans for the character to return, there is a possibility that he could be recast in the future.

A spokesperson for Neighbours' UK broadcaster Five today confirmed to DS that O'Leary has left the show.

O'Leary's real-life brother Fletcher - who played Ned Parker's son Mickey - was also written out of the programme last year.