Sammy Winward has quit ‘Emmerdale’.
The 29-year-old actress has left soap bosses "gutted" after announcing her intention to leave after 13 years as Katie Addyman, not long after shooting the show’s Christmas episodes, which will see her alter ego re-marry Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher).
A source said: "Sammy is the Michelle Keegan of Emmerdale so everyone’s gutted she’s leaving.
"She’s hugely popular and her character has been a big part in the show overtaking ‘EastEnders’."
The blonde beauty will leave next year and though her exit storyline hasn’t been plotted yet, it is likely to be explosive.
The source said: "The producers haven’t decided yet [if they will kill her off]. ‘Emmerdale’ love a big death because it’s great for their ratings.
"Katie being Katie she sure won’t be sailing calmly off into the sunset."
Sammy – who has nine-year-old daughter Mia with former partner David Dunn – is keen to tackle new projects and would love to indulge in her passion for history with a part in a period drama like ‘Downton Abbey’.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "She wants to spread her wings and try theatre work and other telly. ‘Emmerdale’ is virtually everything she has ever known
"She always has her nose stuck in a book and can’t get enough of documentaries about bygone days."
Sammy Winward quits Emmerdale
