Michelle Keegan has quit 'Our Girl'.

Michelle Keegan

Michelle Keegan

The 32-year-old actress is to step back from her role as Army medic Georgie Lane after four years, with her final episodes set to air later this year.

Michelle admitted it was a "very hard decision" to quit the show but she wants to look for new career opportunities.

She told The Sun newspaper: "I've had the most incredible four years on the show and I want to thank the BBC for giving me such an amazing opportunity.

"Playing Georgie has been a life changing role for me. I've loved every second of the adventure so it was a very hard decision to make not to return. I feel it is the right time to explore other exciting opportunities but I'm so happy to be part of the new series coming soon so it's not the end just yet."

Producers are planning to continue the series - which starred Lacey Turner in the first run in 2014 - and are currently on the hunt for a new female lead.

Michelle - who is married to Mark Wright - previously said she wants to "represent strong women" in her career.

She said: "I've come from a very strong line of women, my grandma was very strong, my mum was very strong. It sort of makes sense that these women are part of me and it's given me that oomph to go forward and represent strong women even more so."

However, the brunette beauty isn't interested in basing her career outside of the UK.

She said: "I'd love to work in America but I couldn't see myself living out there full time. I'm a home bird. It won't be permanent. Definitely not ... When I've been out in Los Angeles, even if I'm ordering a coffee or something they think I'm Australian. I have to slow down a lot and pronounce my words to make it a bit easier."

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