Jane Cox thinks Lisa Dingle's death is the best way to handle the character's exit.
Jane Cox
The 66-year-old actress is leaving 'Emmerdale' after 23 years, and with her alter ego has been diagnosed with amyloidosis - which has left Lisa with a weakened heart - it means the door won't be left open for a return as her time on the soap comes to an end.
She told RadioTimes.com: "I think it's better as it tells a complete story, and there are a lot of people out there dealing with terminal illness.
"When Lisa's diagnosis was revealed in the International Women's Day episode we had a good response from those pleased we were raising the issue.
"Lisa could go off to Spain or something but this way it gives a truthful end to her story. I will wave Lisa a happy goodbye."
Despite feeling like her character is leaving with a well-rounded end to her story, Jane admitted it was a tough decision to walk away from the Dales.
She added: "It was very hard but I'm 66 now and I felt I didn't want to be working at this pace so much in the future.
"I've got lots of other things I want to do, not necessarily acting, and if I didn't go now I probably never would. I love everybody here, it's been the best job and Lisa has been part of me for 23 years.
"And this is a story that raises awareness of a particular illness which will hopefully help people, and that's why I became an actor in the first place."
Before Lisa passes away on screen, she will marry longterm partner Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) for the second time on May 23.
Jane said: "It happens quite quickly, Zak proposes out of the blue and the whole family is happy about it, yes. It's really cheery. All the Dingles want to make it a good time for them."
Tagged in Jane Cox Steve Halliwell