EASTENDER Pierre Counihan-Moullier is joining the Albert Square exodus.

proved an instant hit with viewers when he joined the BBC1 soap just a year ago to play the returning character .

Oscar, a young man, looking down with a somber expression.Pierre Counihan-Moullier is joining the Albert Square exodus and leaving EastEnders Credit: BBC Linda Carter in a pink blazer looks annoyed at Max Branning, who is talking to Cindy Beale at a bar.Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, has quit the show Credit: BBC

But he has quit and is set to follow , 50 — who plays Linda Carter — and Ravi Gulati star out of the door later this year.

Meanwhile, 42-year-old character — who first appeared in 2000 — is set to be killed off in coming weeks only a year after her comeback.

A source said: “Viewers are still reeling from the news they are losing Kellie and Aaron, two incredibly popular staples.”

Pierre was signed up by new boss Ben Wadey, 32, who joined from last year.

Pierre will film his final scenes at studios in Elstree, Herts, and the door is expected to be left open for the character.

The source added: “The fans love Pierre, so this is a huge blow to the show.

“It’s also interesting that signing up Pierre has been one of the better things that Ben Wadey has done.

“So the fact that he’s leaving is not a good look.

Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater, looking concerned.Michelle Ryan’s character Zoe Slater — who first appeared in 2000 — is set to be killed off in coming weeks only a year after her comeback Credit: BBC Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati, a man with dark hair tied back, a beard, and a mustache, wearing a gray hoodie.Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, will leave the show later this year Credit: BBC

“Everyone’s now hoping that the rest of the cast will sit tight for a while.”

Last week we told how Zoe will die in her sleep after banging her head.

An EastEnders spokesman declined to comment.