EastEnders to X-Men: Apocalypse: Peter Beale actor Ben Hardy bags 'key role' in superhero movie

EastEnders actor Ben Hardy has set his sights on the bright lights of Hollywood after reportedly bagging a role in in the forthcoming X-Men movie.

The 24-year-old actor, who bowed out of the BBC soap on 24 February after playing Peter Beale for two years, has joined the cast of Bryan Singer's X-men: Apocalypse.

Hardy's character left the Square with pregnant girlfriend Lauren Branning after discovering his 11-year-old half-brother Bobby killed his twin sister.

According to Variety, Hardy will play a key role in the next instalment of the superhero franchise, which will see Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Lawrence return as Wolverine and Mystique.

Although producers are staying tight-lipped regarding details about the character Hardy is set to play, it has been established that Jean Grey, Storm and Cyclops will be re-cast as young actors.

Fans were recently left disappointed after Sir Patrick Stewart confirmed he would not reprise his role as Professor Charles Xavier because of other commitments.

He explained: "Yes, I understand that it seems to be very unlikely that I will be in the next X-Men movie, which is almost getting ready to start shooting in Montreal."

Although Stewart will be a no show, Fox's follow-up to Future Past, Sir Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Magneto.

X-Men: Apocalypse will be released in cinemas on 19 May 2016.