ELIZABETH ESTENSEN ANNOUNCES EMMERDALE EXIT

After twenty-two years in the dales playing Diane Sugden, actress Elizabeth Estensen has announced her retirement from the ITV soap.

Elizabeth Estensen said: "For the past 22 years I have loved playing Diane Sugden - she’s kind, reliable and fiercely loyal. However, I now feel the time has come to say goodbye. Emmerdale will always remain special to me. I’ve been treated with respect and kindness and I’ve had the very best friends and colleagues, both past and present. I’ll miss everyone dearly."

ITV's John Whiston added: "For 22 years, Liz has shone through the screen and into our living rooms as the natural heart and centre of the Sugden family. It's a role she has made so totally her own, bringing compassion, humour and credibility to her portrayal of Diane...

"Whenever she's on-screen, as a viewer, you just let out a contented sigh and say to yourself 'The Queen is on her throne and all is well with the world'. And off-screen, you don't get to stay in a soap that long unless you are a truly professional actor and really, really lovely person. Liz is both."

Emmerdale continues weeknights at 7pm on ITV and ITV Hub.