Sheree to quit Emmerdale in storyline 'shaker'

Emmerdale star Sheree Murphy is quitting the soap after five years, she announced today.

The actress – who has been on maternity leave after the birth of her second child – will leave in the New Year.

Murphy said she wants to try something new and spend more time with her husband, Liverpool soccer star Harry Kewell, and their children.

Viewers last saw her character, Tricia Dingle, leaving screen husband Marlon and heading for fame and fortune in the Bollywood film industry.

She will return to the Yorkshire village in November to learn of Marlon’s night of passion with cousin Charity.

Producers of the ITV1 soap say she will be at the centre of a gripping storyline over the festive season that will “shake the entire village to its core”.

Viewers will see her for just two months before she leaves the show.

She said today: “It has been an incredibly difficult decision not to stay because Emmerdale has been a big part of my life for a long time and I will desperately miss everybody.

“But I feel ready to try something new and it will also be nice to spend more time at home with Harry and the children.”

Series producer Steve Frost said: “After five years at Emmerdale we will be sad to see Sheree go.

“However, it is a joy to have Tricia back for the winter months and her exit will have viewers on the edge of their seats.”