Casualty star George Rainsford has confirmed a new role away from the soap.
The actor, whose exit hasn't been officially confirmed by the BBC soap yet, is set to star in the stage play Wish You Were Dead, which is due to tour across the UK from February next year.
Also starring fellow Casualty star Clive Mantle and I'm a Celebrity's Giovanna Fletcher, Rainsford will take on the role of DSI Roy Grace, playing the character from Peter James's book series.
Related: 7 huge Casualty spoilers for next week
Wish You Were Dead will follow the detective and Cleo Morey (Fletcher) as they take a much-needed holiday – though it quickly turns into the break from hell as the past catches up with them.
"I can't wait to be part of a theatre ensemble again and delve into Peter James' thrilling criminal underworld," Rainsford said (via StageChat).
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"Getting to play Roy Grace, his most renowned detective creation, will be a huge honour. I am excited to meet audiences from all over the UK, and share with them some enthralling, edge-of-your-seat entertainment!"
It comes after the actor – who plays Ethan Hardy on Casualty – recently dropped a number of big hints that he was about to exit the soap.
One post over the summer saw him praise director Duncan Foster on social media, as the latter revealed that he would be back in November. Rainsford then replied: "Glad they've got you back, I won't be around then! Until next time!"
The star has also posted about clearing out his dressing room, and taking home a "keepsake" from set.
Digital Spy has reached out to Casualty for comment.
Casualty airs on Saturdays on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more Casualty spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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