Life after Kym Marsh: Newly single Jack Ryder joins The Archers

When Jack Ryder and Kym Marsh got together he was the successful soap actor, while she was a popstar.

Then Ryder gave up EastEnders role of Jamie Mitchell after four years to spend more time with his new wife Kym and seek success in Hollywood.

But the fame never came and while Ryder's career stagnated Kym joined the cast of Coronation Street and became a major star.

Now, after announcing the end of their marriage in March, Ryder is to return to the world of soaps with a role in The Archers.

He will join the Radio 4 soap at the end of the month and is expected to remain until at least the end of this year.

His character will be called Ryan and will arrive in Ambridge through a connection to resident veterinarian Alistair Lloyd.

The controller of BBC Radio 4, Mark Damazer, said the link between the two characters was 'not about cows'.

'He is coming to join The Archers for a while, for about three months, and will start later this month,' said Damazer.

The country world occupied by The Archers could not be further removed from the sensational and often violent storylines of EastEnders.

But the soap has dealt with some controversial storylines in recent years, including a gay love affair and some steamy scenes in a shower.