EastEnders’ Ricky Norwood AKA Fatboy Is LEAVING The Show!

Sad news this morning for EastEnders fans, after it’s been confirmed that our not-at-all-weird crush Ricky Norwood – AKA Fatboy (see also ‘Arthur Chubb’ as well as 'The Son Dot Cotton Should’ve Had’), is leaving the show!

The low-key lothario (remember Denise?!) is bowing out from the soap after five years of playing the loveable -if not slightly brain-dead- character, who sees nothing unusual in shacking up with an 80-something-year-old woman in East London.

Be still our beating hearts. Copyright: [BBC]

A BBC spokesman said: “We can confirm that Ricky will be leaving EastEnders. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Ricky first came to our attention in EastEnders spin-off show 'E20’, which brought a whole new generation of bright young things to The Square.

And whilst most of the E20 cast didn’t stick around for long (Tina’s daughter Zsa Zsa - WHERE DID YOU GO?!), fan-favourite Fatboy ended up sticking around and shacking up at Dot’s house - with Ricky ending up winning the Best Newcomer award at the 2010 Inside Soap Awards and Most Popular Newcomer at the 2011 National Television Awards for his portrayal of the character.

Dot and Fats - a tale as old as time. Copyright: [BBC]

But things went a bit 'Leslie Grantham’ for the star last year, after he was spotted smoking a funky-looking cigarette on Skype, as well as indulging in some sort of ropey 'sex act’ for all to see.

Lord knows what he was getting up to - all we can hope for was that Mrs. B didn’t walk in and get the fright of her life.

The actor ended up getting suspended for two months over it all, which isn’t really ideal is it?

The actor will be leaving later this year. Copyright: [BBC]

A show insider also told Digital Spy: “Ricky is a great guy and very popular on set. He’s leaving the show as it’s the end of Fatboy’s storyline, but everyone wishes him well for the future.”

Anyway, Ricky’s now filming his final scenes this week, which are due to be broadcast in the run-up to Christmas. Here’s hoping he’ll avoid Ronnie Mitchell or Bobby Beale on his way out, otherwise he can kiss goodbye to his chances of a return, right?