Emmerdale star confirms they have quit the soap after 12 years
EMMERDALE star Fiona Wade has confirmed that she has quit the soap after 12 years.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the Priya Sharma actress had quit the soap last year.
And now she has opened up about her struggle with making the decision.
Fiona said: "It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. Leaving my Emmerdale family is a big thing and it wasn't easy filming my last scenes.
"When you've been somewhere for that long and that's your every day, it's hard and feels sad.
“But as every actor knows, you need to challenge yourself and that's very important too."
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Her exit comes as Priya’s daughter Amba is kidnapped by her dad David Metcalfe.
He is devastated to learn that Priya has been offered a job in London and plans to take it - and so takes the drastic action.
David disappears with Amba, forcing Priya to call the police.
And while it has not yet been confirmed how Priya will leave, the door is to be left open for her to return.
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Fiona added: "There are so many blessings that come your way when you're in a show like Emmerdale.
“To be given a character that you can make yours, to have fantastic writers that enable you to grow in this amazing character.
"Plus, the friends you make and the experiences you have is invaluable."
She also opened up about what she would miss about Priya.
"She is a sassy, strong independent woman,” she said.
“She's a single mum, a business woman. She's edgy and fun and she has guts.
"Getting to play someone who is that sassy and cool and glamorous but also has all of these complexities and layers to her which make the character so much more interesting and relatable. I've loved playing her and she's been so much fun."
"They've all been incredibly rewarding to play and it's really hard to pick [a standout], because they've also been quite emotional," she added.
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"I can't pick a favourite but the eating disorder one was complex and ongoing and was so interesting to research. It was a great layer for my character to have.
"She's such a glamorous and confident character but she also has so many layers. It showed her vulnerability, insecurities and complexities."