[Scarlett.]

Emmerdale star Matt Healy has announced that he is quitting the soap.

Show chiefs have confirmed that they have a dramatic exit plot lined up for the actor, who has played businessman Matthew King for five years. His final scenes are expected to air in December.

Healy told the Daily Star: "After five years of wearing Matthew's suits every morning and having to shave every day, I feel ready to pull on some bermuda shorts and grow a goatee! But I've had a brilliant time at Emmerdale and I'm excited about what lies ahead."

Emmerdale's series producer Anita Turner added: "Matthew King will leave Emmerdale in an explosive storyline. We wish Matt all the very best."

Turner also promised that Healy's departure will not affect his on-screen brothers Jimmy (Nick Miles) and Carl (Tom Lister), who will remain in the Dales.