Long-serving Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper will be leaving the soap this spring, it has been revealed.
The 31-year-old, who has played Jacqui McQueen on the Channel 4 show since 2006, will apparently be departing in "a dramatic effort to bring her family back together".
She said: "I have had the most incredible and unforgettable time at Hollyoaks. Jacqui McQueen has been a fascinating part to play and I have nothing but gratitude to Channel 4 and Hollyoaks for giving me the opportunity.
"But it's the right time for me personally to explore other avenues and see what other stories I can tell.
"To my family, friends, colleagues and fans, thank you for your support - it's been one hell of a ride for Miss McQueen and an inspirational one for me."
And executive producer Bryan Kirkwood paid tribute to Claire's time on the show.
"Claire Cooper has created an unforgettable soap character in the indomitable Jacqui McQueen. I feel very protective and proud of Claire’s wonderful, tough, sexy, funny creation and she has struck a perfect balance of portraying Jacqui's 'hard as nails' exterior, as well as her crushing vulnerability.
"I'm devastated to be losing Jacqui, but after six years of her wearing those thigh-high PVC boots, I respect Claire's need to explore other roles. I wish her the best of luck – not that she'll need it."
We recently reported that [uuid=4622caf5-4d9c-4853-89c9-0a1a39f1057e]Gillian Taylforth had been recruited[/uuid] to join the cast.