[Scarlett.]

Grace Cassidy is leaving Emmerdale, it has been confirmed.

The actress, who joined the ITV1 soap as Hannah Barton three years ago, will depart later in 2012 to pursue new projects.

''Working on Emmerdale has been one of the best periods of my life," she told ITV. "After three years I have made so many friends here and I am going to miss them so much.

"However, I felt the time was right to move on as I still have so much to learn. I can't thank Stuart and the team enough for making me feel so welcome. I will never forget the opportunity I was given."

Sophie Powles, who plays Holly Barton, will leave Emmerdale in June.

"When I first started I never thought I'd be there for that long. I don't like the thought of doing anything for that long, never mind a job. But I fell in love with it and had the time of my life. It didn't feel right to leave until now," Powles said of her exit.

DS