Emmerdale viewers are "gutted" after Fiona Wade's exit from the show was confirmed.
The soap star has become a fan favourite on the long running ITV show since she first joined the cast as Priya Sharma in 2011. The 43-year-old has since played a key role in a number of major storylines, including her turbulent marriage to Rakesh Kotecha.
The character has recently been battling confidence issues since she suffered severe burns after being targeted by the villainous Meena Jutla. However, her dramatic time in the fictional Yorkshire village is about to come to an end as ITV confirmed to Digital Spy she will be filming her final scenes in the upcoming months.
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Emmerdale has killed off a number of major characters this month as part of the show's 50th anniversary celebrations. Faith Dingle lost her battle to cancer before Harriet Finch and Liv Dingle died in the devastating storm which ripped through the village.
Details surrounding Fiona's exit have been kept under wraps, but it is believed the soap star wants to pursue other career opportunities. Emmerdale viewers have taken to Twitter to issue tributes after Fiona's exit was confirmed.
Darren said: "Gutted it’s been confirmed that @FionaWade_ is leaving #Emmerdale, hope Priya gets a good exit and not just in a taxi."
Olly posted: "WHAT!? NO! WHYYY? First Meena, then Faith, now Priya. What have I ever done to you Emmerdale"
Leah tweeted, alongside a tearful emoji: "Priya"
Thomas commented, alongside a tearful emoji: "Priya is leaving Emmerdale"
@Corriedalexo added: "Gutted to hear about Priya's exit, a shame for such a lovely character. I wish Fiona the best of luck in what she does next. Priya has been underused, she deserved more storylines. some that standout are her ED story and scars story, which will stay with me forever."
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