'EastEnders' Charlie G Hawkins: 'I learned a lot from Jake Wood'

Charlie G Hawkins has expressed his gratitude towards former EastEnders co-star Jake Wood, admitting that he "learned so much" from the actor.

Hawkins worked closely with Wood on the BBC soap, but his EastEnders journey comes to an end tonight as viewers see him bow out from his role as Darren Miller.

Speaking to Digital Spy ahead of his final scenes airing, Hawkins explained: "I really, really look up to Jake - I think that he's a fantastic actor and a wicked person. He's a real family guy and a true professional.

"In the past two years, I've learned so much from Jake - not just about acting but as a person, too. Hopefully I can take that with me and use it in later life."

As Wood's character Max Branning recently took time out from Albert Square after being rejected by ex-wife Tanya, the cheating businessman is absent from Walford for Darren's farewell.

Hawkins continued: "It was really sad to say goodbye to Jake. We had a few scenes together before Jake took his break, but they obviously weren't goodbye scenes because Darren wasn't leaving at that point. Me and Jake had a goodbye - it's just a shame that Darren and Max didn't have a goodbye!"

Hawkins announced his decision to leave EastEnders in April.

> Read our full interview with EastEnders star Charlie G Hawkins
> Jake Wood pledges loyalty to EastEnders
> EastEnders spoiler: Darren bids a sad farewell to the Square
> Read more EastEnders spoilers and news

Watch some of Darren's EastEnders best bits below: