Jason Merrells has decided to leave Emmerdale.
The actor plays the ruthless Declan Macey and is set to leave the soap so that he can spend more time with his family.
Jason Merrells (left) / Credit: ITVSpeaking to the Daily Star he said: "It was never going to be a job for life and I've stayed way longer than I thought I would. I've really enjoyed it but problems are still there - travel and living away from home.
"This job is full-on, so every week I'm 200 miles away from my family and my home, and after a while you think: 'As much as I love the work, I don't want this forever'."
Fans are being left hanging however on his character's fate.
Last time we saw him he was floating down the river following a showdown with wife Charity (Emma Atkins), after he killed his nephew Robbie (Jamie Shelton).
Jason continued: "Being in 'Emmerdale' is not something I could have done forever: I've stayed longer as it's been great fun to play this character.
"Emma Atkins is great to work with and the show has been so good over the last two years.
"Apart from the travel I've loved every second but there's always been an end in my mind."