Charity to leave Emmerdale

Emmerdale looks set to lose actress Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Tate.

10:51 27 July 2004

Emmerdale looks set to lose actress Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Tate.

But that has not stopped producers for the soap planning an explosive ending for the gold-digging former prostitute.

Atkins said that after more than four years on the Yorkshire soap it is time to move on.

"It's been an incredibly difficult decision to leave. But I feel that after four-and-a-half years it is time to move on," the actress said.

"I still can't believe how lucky I have been to be trusted with so many fantastic storylines," she added.

A spokesman from the soap told the Daily Star: "We are sad to see Emma go, but it gives us scope for a fantastic storyline over the winter months."

Atkins added: "There are so many other roles that I would like to try and it is important to me that Charity leaves on a high."

Over the last five years Charity has had a lesbian affair, a relationship with her cousin, been jailed for murder, confronted by her estranged daughter and finally become engaged to millionaire Tom King.

Over this time Emmerdale has also seen an increase in audience figures - to the extent that recent hour-long episodes have been attracting more viewers than simultaneously running episodes of EastEnders.