It's Official Cyrus to Quit Hannah Montana in 2010

Miley Cyrus is to give up her Disney alter-ego Hannah Montana after the TV show's next season, network officials have confirmed.

The singeractress has played Miley Stewart, a high school student leading a secret double life as pop star Montana, for three seasons - and theupcoming fourth will be her last.

The news ends speculation about the future of the franchise, which has also spawned hit movies.

Disney Channel Worldwide's senior programming vice-president Adam Bonnett says, "Right now we're scheduled to wrap after shooting this new batchof episodes... The (new) episodes will continue to roll out at least over a full year".

Production on the fourth season is set to begin on 18 January (10) and end this summer, reports the New York Post.