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Entertainment
Craig Jones

Fiona Wade on 'hardest decision' to leave Emmerdale and craving a new challenge

Outgoing Emmerdale star Fiona Wade has opened up about her exit from the soap.

Fiona Wade, 43, who has played Priya Sharma for 11 years feels the time is right to move on. The acting star originally joined Emmerdale replacing Effie Woods in the role of Priya.

Viewers will say goodbye to the character in the coming weeks. As reported by Digital Spy, Fiona said: “It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. Leaving my Emmerdale family is a big thing and it wasn't easy filming my last scenes.

Read more: 9 major Emmerdale 2023 spoiler storylines

“When you've been somewhere for that long and that's your every day, it's hard and feels sad. But as every actor knows, you need to challenge yourself and that's very important too.”

The star, who had brief stints in Coronation Street and Doctors before joining Emmerdale, has discussed her motivation behind the decision to leave. “She is a sassy, strong independent woman,” Fiona explained.

“She's a single mum, a business woman. She's edgy and fun and she has guts.

Take our poll below on which Emmerdale legend you'd like to see return. If you can't access if you can vote here.

“Getting to play someone who is that sassy and cool and glamorous but also has all of these complexities and layers to her which make the character so much more interesting and relatable. I've loved playing her and she's been so much fun.”

We’ll keep you posted on how we’ll say goodbye to Priya and what the future holds for star Fiona.

As ever, we'll continue to bring you the big Emmerdale news about what is happening in the village. You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars.

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