EastEnders star James Forde has broken his silence on being replaced as Liam Butcher.
James, who starred as Liam from 2008 until 2015, said he'd chosen to quit acting to work as a builder and isn't phased about being replaced.
Actor Alfie Deegan has taken over the role and made his first appearance in the BBC One soap on Friday night.
After fans questioned why the role had been recast, James, 25, took to his Twitter account to reassure them that he's happy that he no longer has the part.
"Appreciate the love people but don't be upset," he tweeted alongside a cry laughing emoji.
"I chose myself to be a builder and not an actor and I am genuinely more happier than ever right now.
"Do what works for you and be happy."
One of his followers told him: "I'm so glad you're happy and ok. I admit I was a little miffed on your behalf!"
"It's all good bro and no hard feelings whatsoever," he replied, adding a raised hands emoji.
Liam is the son of Ricky Butcher, played by Sid Owen, and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).
On Friday Liam's sister Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) and his adopted sister Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) were surprised when Liam turned up at Ruby's club and bought them a bottle of Champagne.
The character has been living in Germany with Ricky, but returned out of the blue to apparently support Tiffany following her marriage to Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) crumbling after he slept with her friend Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero).
While Tiffany is thrilled to have her brother back, it will become clear that Liam is not being entirely honest about why he has returned to Albert Square.
Liam was last seen in 2015 when he left Walford with girlfriend Cindy Williams (Mimi Keene) to go and live in Germany together after failing to blackmail Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) with the knowledge that Bobby Beale had murdered his sister Lucy Beale.
The character was first played by Sonny Bottomley for two months in 1998 and 1999, before twins Jack and Tom Godolphin played the role from 1999 and twins Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan portrayed the character in 2002.
Nathaniel Gleed starred as Liam from 2002 to 2004 and James took over in 2008.
Alfie took over the role on Friday, but the character is only expected to be back in Walford for a short stint.
The actor previously appeared in last year's BIFA-winning film Perfect 10 and joined the longlist for BIFA's 10 Most Promising Newcomers.
He will also soon be seen in the new feature film Silver Haze.
