Mike Parr is leaving Emmerdale, it has been announced.
The actor, 31, has played the role of Ross Barton since 2013.
He confirmed the news late on Wednesday night (23 May) via his official Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Addressing his 204,000 followers, he wrote: “Yes I’ll be leaving the soap soon. Have had the best few years at Emmerdale but it’s time to move on and explore other avenues.”
He joked: “If I win that soap award I might stay though.”
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Fans were distraught, with one replying: “Don’t leave!!!!! We want you to find love and get over Debbie!!!!!!!!”
One wrote: “To be honest, they never should have done the acid story line with you. Your character was obviously never gonna be the same again. Which would have been a big shame. I’m gonna miss watching you in Emmerdale. Good luck with whatever you do next.”
Another fan was “gutted”, while one responded with: “Well that’s just pants.”
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Mike will leave the ITV soap later this year at the end of his current contract, although his exit storyline has not yet been revealed.
His character Ross is currently on a mission to get revenge for the acid attack he endured a few months ago.
Acting producer Kate Brooks told The Sun: “His decision to pursue other acting opportunities has given the writing team the opportunity to create an intriguing storyline for his exit.
“Michael, who is nominated for Best Actor at the British Soap Awards next month, will leave the show on a high after brilliantly portraying Ross for five years.”
However, the newspaper also reports that Mick is “fed-up” of his storylines, and the burn make-up he must wear every day.
In fact, the report says Mike may even quit acting altogether to become a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
This week, Ross confronts Joe Tate over the acid attack and someone gets shot in the tense stand-off.
Will you be sad to see Ross Barton leave Emmerdale? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!