Adam Thomas has quit 'Emmerdale'.
Adam Thomas as Adam Barton
The 28-year-old actor has decided to walk away from the long-running soap after portraying loveable farm boy Adam Barton on screen for eight years because he wants to spread his wings and try something different for the time being.
He said: "I've had an amazing eight years working on 'Emmerdale' and I've loved every minute of it. It was a really tough decision to take to leave but I felt that now is the time to move on and challenge myself with some new roles. I'd like to thank everyone at 'Emmerdale' for both giving me the opportunity to work as part of such a great team and for giving my character Adam Barton some great storylines too."
It's not known how Adam will bow out of the programme or whether bosses will leave the door open for his character to return in the future but it's believed he'll remain on screens until the early part of next year and his exit story will be "huge" for him.
Series Producer Iain MacLeod said: "Everyone will be really gutted to see Adam go! He's a top bloke and a really talented actor.
"But he's given us a lot of notice, so we've been able to prepare a huge exit story for him. I'm really excited to see it play out on screen - however sad it will be to wave goodbye to such a brilliant character and cast member."
Adam's decision to turn his back on the show will no doubt come as a huge surprise to fans as he claimed last month that he loved working on it and has no plans to leave.
He said: "I'm happy at 'Emmerdale' and I'm staying there. Life is good here so I don't want to move on just yet. Acting is my passion and my main thing.
"Obviously if something comes up then it comes up but I'll see what happens. But right now I want to stay here and I want to keep acting. I just wanted to get back to work really and concentrate on that."