It's not just the Albert Square residents that have moved abroadd, as a whole host of EastEnders stars have left the UK to embark on new paths in their lives.

Whether it was Zoe Slater star Michelle Ryan landing a huge sci-fi TV role in the US or late 'Dirty Den' star Leslie Grantham retiring to another country, lots of soap icons have taken the next step in their lives and careers since departing Walford.

READ MORE: EastEnders teen stars now – Unrecognisable transformation, career U-turn and pop stardom

Some have made surprise announcements about their moves on social media too, while others have made returns to the UK in the years since.

Here, Daily Star takes a look at the EastEnders stars who have started new lives elsewhere.

Patsy Palmer

Patsy Palmer became an EastEnders icon when she played Bianca Jackson over six years between 1993-1999.

She later returned for another six years between 2018-2014, before moving to Los Angeles with her family – husband Richard Merkell since and their three children called Fenton, Emilia and Bertie.

Although she returned to EastEnders for a cameo appearance in 2019, the star has since launched a wellness page on social media and has become a lifestyle guru.

Patsy regularly shares photographs of her glamorous life in Los Angeles, while posting inspiring messages on her Instagram page.

The star looked radiant in the photograph as she wore a long white dress and held her arms open wide, as she captioned the post: "Looking at yourself when you are in a happy mindset is so much nicer than when we are feeling low and defeated or depleted."

"If you can do a guided meditation based on positive self image or repeat positive affirmations then take a good and proper look at yourself you will see your unique personality shine through."

However, Patsy has since delighted fans with a return to our TV screens, after appearing in the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice.

Sean Maguire

Sean Maguire was one of the original EastEnders heartthrobs, after arriving on Albert Square as Aiden Brosnan in 1993.

The Apprentice footballer had an turbulant relationship with Mandy Salter in the soap, before the character departed Walford in 1994 after falling on hard times.

Aidan actor Sean later appeared in Holby City, Scott & Bailey and Death in Paradise, as well as launching a pop career where he landed eight top 30 UK Chart hits.

However nearly 30 years since his soap debut, Sean has found fame and fortune after moving to America, where he has since appeared as Robin Hood in hit TV series Once Upon A Time and Joe in drama S.W.A.T.

He has described his move to the states as "one of the happiest times" in his life, telling podcast Celebrity Catch Up: Life After That Thing I Did: "Other than now with my kids and my wife, it was probably one of the happiest times I’ve ever had.

"I wasn’t getting punched in the face anymore… and it was sunny.. And I’m thinking, "well this all worked out great".'

Danniella Westbrook

Former EastEnders Sam Mitchell icon Danniella Westbrook announced in 2022 that she was quitting the UK to move abroad "for my own happiness and mindset."

The star played Phil and Grant's younger sister between 1990 and 2000, before making guest appearances between 2009 to 2016.

Following her soap exit, she appeared in Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Big Brother and as Trudy Ryan in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

Danniella shared a glamorous selfie on Instagram, wearing an all black ensemble and a beret, as she made the surprise announcement, telling fans: "Well today's the day. Mixed emotions happy excited but sad too saying good bye to my circle.

"But for my own happiness & mindset I move back abroad today. Plus I am never happier than in the sunshine."

Her fans and celeb friends flocked to the comments section to wish her well, with TV personality Vanessa Feltz saying: "Have a wonderful time darling girl."

X-Factor star Amelia Lily replied with a string of heart emojis, while fans left sweet messages such as "Safe travels angel," and "Good luck. Never apologise for putting yourself first."

Michelle Ryan

Michelle Ryan became part of one of EastEnders most famous clans, when she arrived with the Slater family as youngest Zoe in 2000.

She played the role for five years, before moving to America to launch her career in Hollywood.

From there she played the lead role in a remake of 70s classic The Bionic Woman, which was broadcast in 2007, but was cancelled after one series.

Speaking about the cancellation to The Guardian, Michelle said: "I got to go out and experience it all. If it had been a huge success, that would have been great, but it's gone.

"I'm working, it's worked out fine. There were other people who were much more affected than I was. Sometimes in life, random things can blind-side you."

The star later returned to the UK, where she has since taken on roles in TV series such as Merlin, Death in Paradise and Doctor Who, along with stage productions such as Cabaret and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

However, the star tends to keep her personal life private and it is not known what the star is up to now, or if she in a relationship.

Leslie Grantham

Leslie Grantham was one of EastEnders most famous villains – playing 'Dirty Den' Watts between 1985 to 1989, before making a shock return in 2003.

After departing the soap for a final time in 2004, Leslie landed roles in The Bill, but revealed to The Mirror that he "fell in love with Bulgaria" after film TV series The English Neighbour in 2010.

He revealed his plans to move to the country following his divorce from actress wife Jane Laurie in 2013, saying: "I made a lot of friends out there and I am planning to move out when the financial details of my divorce are finalised.

"I am an old man now and I want to go somewhere it is hot. I really enjoyed it there. I had to learn Bulgarian and even Hungarian."

However a few years after his move to the country, Leslie died on June 15, 2018 from lung cancer at the age of 71 years old.

Leslie's former EastEnders cast members paid tribute to the actor, with on-screen wife Anita Dobson telling the BBC: "We were both really lucky that we were cast opposite each other. The chemistry was magic… it just happened."

Sharon Watts actress Letitia Dean also said in a statement: "I have very special memories of working with Leslie and will cherish them always. He and Anita looked after me in my early days and showed me the ropes, always with care and kindness."

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