EASTENDERS actor Shaun Williamson has walked away from the top soap to tread the boards at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.

Mr Williamson, who lives in Selling, near Canterbury, has left Albert Square to play Muddles the Court Jester in this year's panto at The Marlowe, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Newspaper reports this week suggested he had been sacked from the BBC soap, but in a statement on Tuesday Mr Williamson said it was his decision to quit.

He stressed: "I have accepted the lead in a Kevin Wood musical pantomime at the Marlowe in Canterbury for Christmas 2003. Unfortunately EastEnders contracts don't allow it so I have taken the decision to leave."

EastEnders have renewed his contract until November, which will keep his character, hapless Barry Evans, on screen into next year.

Mr Williamson, who joined the soap in 1994, has been enjoying a high-profile storyline over recent weeks, which has seen his screen wife Natalie have an affair with mechanic Ricky Butcher.

He said the EastEnders production team and actors had made the last few years a wonderful experience, addding: "I will miss them all but look forward to new challenges and an exciting future," he said.

A talented singer, Mr Williamson is hoping to pursue a new career on the back of the panto in which he stars alongside Toyah Willcox and Herne comedian Dave Lee.