Published Friday, October 11th 2013, 16:45 BST | By Adam

Chelsea Halfpenny To Leave Emmerdale

Emmerdale star Chelsea Halfpenny has confirmed she is to leave the soap.

Chelsea joined Emmerdale in October 2010 as troubled teenager Amy Wyatt and has been at the centre of a number of big storylines during her time in the show.

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

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

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

A show insider said: "We're sad to lose Chelsea but understand that after three years she wants to try other projects.

"There is plenty more drama to come for Amy, fans will have to wait and see whether she gets her fairytale ending."

Show bosses are keen to keep her exit storyline underwraps and her onscreen departure will be shown later this year.