Ben Hardy
Ben Hardy played Peter Beale on BBC soap EastEnders for two years Getty

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.