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We'll soon be waving goodbye to two more of Walford's residents.

It's been announced that two of EastEnders' youngest stars, Charlie Jones and Madeline Duggan - who have played Ben Mitchell and Lauren Branning since 2006 - will bow out of the show later this year.

As Ben and Lauren, Charlie and Madeline have both had their fair share of dramatic storylines over the past four years. Ben is currently embroiled in a powerful bullying storyline, having been harassed at school and then venting his rage against both his sister, Louise, and his friends. And who could forget the trials and tribulations of Lauren's court drama - being charged with attempted murder for getting mad with Max and running him over?

Ben is set for a dramatic exit this summer. Madeline, who hasn't featured as Lauren since Jo Joyner, who plays onscreen mum Tanya, left to have twins, has already recorded her final scenes as Lauren with Jo.

"Charlie and Madeline will be leaving EastEnders later this year. They have been a pleasure to work with and we wish them all the best for the future," our spokesperson confirmed.

Updated 14 June 2010: The role of Ben is now set to be recast. Its common practice in continuing drama to recast actors employed as children to take on more challenging adult storylines.

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