Exclusive: Surgery door slams on Enders' Dr. May

Twisted Dr. May Wright – actress Amanda Drew – and on-screen partner Rob Minter (Stuart Laing) will dramatically bow out of EastEnders when the Square's Rob-Dawn-May baby plot reaches its eagerly-anticipated climax, Digital Spy can reveal.

Next week sees Rob and May hold Dawn (Kara Tointon) hostage in their countryside retreat, where May threatens to get her hands on Dawn's baby by any means possible.

But May's dream of a perfect family life with Rob quickly crumbles around her.

Last month, producers took the decision to axe their baby abduction storyline due to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal.

And, despite having filmed nearly all of the original scripts, show bosses re-wrote and re-shot the entire culmination of the plot.

Hinting at the warped doctor's fate, a show source told DS: "There are some really shocking scenes to come. Viewers won't believe how far Mad May pushes it to get what she wants - but will she succeed? Or will she meet an unexpected demise?"

Of her exit, Amanda Drew said: "May has been a fantastic role to play. I've really enjoyed playing the part over the past few months and it's been an amazing plot to be part of. Although she didn't start out bad, I think it's right she goes as it's indefensible what she does."

Executive producer Diederick Santer told us: "Dr May and Rob - Amanda Drew and Stuart Laing - have led Dawn and the audience a merry dance this year.

"They have both given fantastic, gripping performances and we have loved having them. We wish them both all the best for the future."

Don't miss next week's dramatic episodes in the build up to May's final moments which air on Monday, June 25 on BBC One at 8pm.

Check back on DS next week to read an interview with Amanda!