Paul Nicholls quits 'Law & Order: UK'

Paul Nicholls is to leave the ITV drama 'Law & Order: UK'.

The former 'EastEnders' actor, who played DS Sam Casey, will depart the show in a dramatic storyline halfway through the new series. Nicholls has appeared in the UK version of the hit US show for two series. He played alongside former Coronation Street actor Bradley Walsh. 

A spokesperson for the show said: "Due to other work commitments, Paul Nicholls was only ever available to film the first six episodes of Law & Order: UK series seven.”

Nicholls joined the show after being sacked from 'Waterloo Road' after only three days on set. It was reported he were sacked amid claims he had refused to take a drugs test.

After refusing to take the drug test, Nicholls was axed from the £100,000- a year role. He was set to play PE teacher Jez Diamond; he was replaced by The Bill actor Alex Walkinshaw. Nicholls also briefly joined the cast of BBC One drama 'Holby City' in the recurring role of Simon Marshall.

The new series will see the début of the former Hustle actor Paterson Joseph as DI Wes Layton and former Coronation Street's Georgia Taylor as Kate Barker replacing the departed Natalie Chandler played by Harriet Walker and Freema Agyeman's character, Alesha Philips.

Law & Order: UK was renewed for a seventh series by ITV back in August.

Are you glad to see Paul Nicholls leave?