Soapstars to leave Emmerdale
Emmerdale bosses are to dump the winners of ITV1's Soapstars talent hunt.
The soap's bosses have decided the holiday park which they run in the series has an uncertain future, leaving them without a role.
The five were initially taken on last November with three-month contracts after a series of open auditions shown on TV.
These have since been extended to make a nine-month stint for Dee Whitehead, Mark Jardine, Elspeth Brodie, Jason Hain, although Ruth Abram will be seen leaving the series tonight.
The other four actors have been told they are to leave the show, although they will continue to be seen until late July and early August.
Abram, who plays Phil's daughter Jess, leaves Emmerdale after deciding to move back north to be with her real mum.
Dale Park's future becomes insecure, meaning Maggie Calder (Whitehead), her children Lucy (Brodie) and Craig (Hain) and lover Phil (Jardine) head off for new pastures.
Emmerdale producer Steve Frost said: "We have been delighted with all five of the actors from day one and they have all turned in very impressive performances.
"We can't fault their work and their impressive acting ability and screen success was reflected in the offer of two extensions to their contracts."
Whitehead said: "It has been a really exciting and enjoyable time on Emmerdale and a great stepping stone on to other things."
