School's out for London's Burning actor Ben Onwukwe - he's quitting the hit ITV1 drama after 10 years to train as a teacher.
Ben, 43, who plays firefighter Recall, will bow out at the start of the new series beginning on July 7.
He said: "It's great being in a show which reflects the fantastic job firemen do. But I've been looking for something a little more socially aware. After much thought I have decided to retrain as a teacher."
Onwukwe says he is sad to leave after playing fireman Stuart "Recall" Mackenzie since 1992.
"It still only feels like a few weeks since I put the uniform on. I've been in it since I was 33. Some people think they're the best years of your life.
"I actually think the best years of my life are yet to come - I like to think life begins at 40. I feel in great shape and look forward to the challenges ahead of me."
The actor will face a tragic ending when he is written out of the show.
An ITV1 spokesman said: "Ben's character Recall performs the daring rescue of a child in a house fire and afterwards he collapses. Viewers will have to wait and see what happens next.
"It all happens after Recall has decided not to retire from the fire service and he is about to wed Elaine (Sharon Duce)."
His co-stars are sad that he is leaving the show.
Glen Murphy, who plays George Green, said: "Ben is the loveliest man in the world, but he wanted to move on. It is sad to lose a friend and we've had some cracking times together."
Heather Peace who plays Sally Fields adds: "Ben's nickname is The Silver Fox because when there's an attractive guest artist he charms them. I am going to miss him a lot - he is one of life's true gentlemen."