EastEnders star Ross Boatman has revealed why his character Harvey Monroe will be missing from Walford for the next couple of months.

Ross Boatman Takes a Break After Surgery

The actor recently underwent knee replacement surgery and needed time away from filming to recover. Speaking on Matthew Rolland’s Isolation Interviews YouTube series, Boatman explained that the operation forced him to step back from the soap.

“I won’t be on it for a while,” he shared, confirming the temporary break.

Harvey and Kathy’s Storyline Delayed

Harvey has just ended his romance with Jean Slater and begun a new relationship with Kathy Beale. However, fans will have to wait a little longer to see their story develop on screen.

Boatman explained:

“I haven’t had a chance to shoot loads with Gilly [Gillian Taylforth] yet because I’ve just been off for two months. And now she’s on holiday, so I’m hoping we’ve got some stuff to shoot coming up soon, which will come out maybe towards the end of the year. Fingers crossed.”

A Different Side of Harvey Ahead

The actor teased that Harvey’s romance with Kathy will feel very different compared to his relationship with Jean.

“The relationship with Gillian Taylforth, I think, will be very different and I think we’ll see a different side [to Harvey],” he said. “I don’t know yet because I haven’t read the scripts and they haven’t been written, but I think we’ll see a very different side of Harvey.”

Ross Boatman’s Future in Walford

Despite the break, Boatman made it clear that he has no plans to leave EastEnders anytime soon.

“I don’t wanna leave in a body bag, I don’t wanna leave in a taxi or leave in any way just yet. I love where I am at. I love the show,” he said.

Fans can expect Harvey back on screens later this year, with fresh storylines waiting once both Boatman and Taylforth return to set.