The actor, who has played Max Branning since June 2006, is taking some time off to pursue other projects.
© BBC / Kieron McCarron
"I've been at EastEnders for nine years and I feel the time is right to give Max a break," he explained.
"But it won't be for too long as I shall be back to see Max face another chapter of drama."
Max will leave Albert Square after he is put in an untenable situation over the summer that he can't escape.
"When I returned to EastEnders, both Jake and I agreed that Max has been through so much over the past 9 years that we would give both him and Jake a break when the opportunity arose," executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said.
"That opportunity has come and it is the perfect time to send Max Branning out with a bang that will send ripples through the Square for the rest of the year until Jake returns."
Wood has already signed a contract securing his return to EastEnders next year.
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