Chelsea Halfpenny to quit Emmerdale

Actress Chelsea Halfpenny has announced she is to leave Emmerdale after three years on the soap.

The actress - who plays young mother Amy Wyatt - said her experiences on the show had left her ready to 'move on' and explore other roles.

"I'd just like to say what an amazing experience I've had here at Emmerdale. I've made best friends and I will carry the memories on through the rest of my career," Chelsea said.

"It's completely changed my life, as it's given me confidence and I'm coming out of it having learnt so much."

She added: "I now feel ready to move on and play other characters, although playing Amy Wyatt has been more fun than I'd ever imagined."

Chelsea - who joined the soap in 2010, has recently been at the centre of a dramatic storyline which has seen her trying to win back custody of her son Kyle from his adopted grandmother.

Things came to a head when she was banned from seeing the child after he fell into a river while under his mother's care.

It is not yet known how the character will make her exit from Emmerdale.

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