EastEnders actor Amar Adatia has revealed that he is leaving the soap after one year.

The 34-year-old has played Jags - one of the three Panesar brothers - since last Autumn but is exiting in a plot that will see Jags go up against his mother Suki and come out on the losing side.

Speaking to The Sun, Adatia admitted that he had always known that his contract with EastEnders would be a short-term one but it was extended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I always knew I'd only be in the show for a set period of time when I signed up," he said. "I had just finished shooting a film and had prior commitments to promote that but then the pandemic hit and everything understandably got put on hold.

"With timings all pushed back, I was more than happy stay a little bit longer to make sure that we wrapped up Jags's storyline properly.

"I was really lucky to have those extra months of filming and to spend time with everyone on set before I said goodbye.

"I can't share too much about what happens but it serves to further prove just how far Suki will go to get her way!

"Jags went against her and being the strong woman she is, just like their father in the past, anyone that goes against her doesn't tend to fare so well."

Adatia's final scenes will air next month.