Gemma Oaten
Gemma Oaten will leave 'Emmerdale'.
The 29-year-old actress - who has played Rachel Breckle in the ITV soap since 2011 - has reportedly decided to leave the Dales after a turbulent year of storylines for her character, and will instead pursue a career in reality-based television.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Gemma will feature on 'Emmerdale' until early January.
"Her character is set to exit the Dales in a blaze of glory.
"She is really excited about what the future holds and looking forward to pursuing new options."
Rachel - who was nominated for Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards last year - has been written out of the programme and is set for a dramatic exit, but will not be killed off.
Her alter-ego has had a rough ride over the past year after falling pregnant by married man Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) and her departure is expected to be the climax to the baby Archie storyline, but fans are kept guessing as to whether she leaves with her son or hands him over to his father.
Meanwhile, former 'Hollyoaks' star Katherine Dow Blyton - who was known for her role as Sally Hunter in the Channel 4 drama - has joined the cast of 'Emmerdale' as feisty Harriet Finch, and her character is expected to ruffle feathers among residents after she battles against Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) for the local vicar job.
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