Poker drives Anthony out of Walford (From Watford Observer)

Poker drives Anthony out of Walford

12:09am Sunday 19th August 2012 in Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Villainous Derek Branning appears to take no mercy as young Anthony Moon pleads not to be banished from Walford.

EastEnders fans will see the pair involved in a high-stakes game of poker but Derek (played by Jamie Foreman) raises the levels so high that his competitor loses everything - including antiques shop The Emporium.

But as Anthony (Matt Lapinskas) begs him not to take his business away, dodgy Derek merely hands him the money for a one-way ticket away from Albert Square.

Lapinskas announced in May that he would be leaving the show, but he has spoken of his hopes that he could make a return.

Anthony's exile comes after falling for Derek's daughter Alice, played by Jasmyn Banks, with viewers soon to see the pair kissing.

Derek originally forced him to date Alice against his will to shield her from other men, but they have gone on to become lovers.

Lapinskas is dating his co-star Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean, in real life.