[Billy]

Hollyoaks actress Loui Batley will quit the soap after nearly four years in the role of Sarah Barnes, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.

The 22-year-old will bow out of the show towards the end of the year in an "explosive" storyline.

Last night, she attended an Avenue Q afterparty at the Haymarket Hotel in London and was overheard confirming her departure from the Channel 4 series.

She remained tight-lipped regarding the details of her exit plot but insisted that it would "shock" viewers.

Those attending the event included Kimberly Walsh, Eddie Izzard, Jodie Prenger and Virgin1's new continuity presenter Red.

Recent Hollyoaks departures have included Chris Fountain (Justin Burton), Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox) and Stuart Manning (Russ Owen).

Those due to leave also include Emma Rigby (Hannah Ashworth) and Zoë Lister (Zoe Carpenter).