TODD CARTY QUITS TELLY BILL

From The Sun newspaper.

BILL star Todd Carty QUIT last night after two years as evil copper Gabriel Kent.

The sudden move left ITV1 bosses in shock.

Todd, 41, joined the ITV1 show in July 2003 after 12 years as downtrodden stallholder Mark Fowler in EastEnders.

But schemer Gabriel was a different kettle of fish.

During his reign of terror at Sun Hill he WOOED Sgt. June Ackland - before lying to her that he was her long-lost son.

He RAPED PC Kerry Young. Then, when she realised his ID was fake, he SHOT her dead - unaware that she was carrying his baby.

Undercover cop Andrea Dunbar discovered the killing - so Gabriel left her to DIE when an explosion rocked Sun Hill.

Todd, who leaves in September, said: "From start to finish, playing Gabriel has been utterly fantastic.

"The storylines I've been given have been first-rate and although I will really miss playing him, it's about time he got his comeuppance!

"I can't wait to see justice being done - Gabriel being forced to pay for his crimes will be the most exciting turn of them all."

A show insider said: "Todd only planned to stay for a couple of years. He felt he had come to the end of his character." 

And a spokesperson for The Bill said: "We are very sad to see Todd go, although totally support his decision and wish him well.

"Todd has been amazing both on and off screen and will be missed."