Actress Jaye Griffiths has revealed she will be departing Emmerdale, expressing disappointment about leaving the Yorkshire-based soap after a brief four-month stint.
The 61-year-old performer, who portrays malevolent farmer Celia Daniels, confirmed her character will be written out of the programme.
During a recent press engagement, Ms Griffiths acknowledged she was aware from the beginning that her time on the ITV drama would be limited.
Despite understanding the temporary nature of her casting, she admitted feeling "very sad" about the impending exit.
Jaye Griffiths is leaving her role as Celia Daniels on Emmerdale
|ITV
The performer joined the long-running series earlier this year, bringing to life a character involved in some of the programme's most controversial storylines.
Her departure marks the end of what she described as an exceptionally positive working experience.
Ms Griffiths' character has been central to several disturbing plotlines currently unfolding in the village.
Celia and her son Ray Walters, portrayed by Joe Absolom, have orchestrated multiple criminal enterprises affecting vulnerable residents.
Jaye Griffiths reflected on her role on the ITV soap
|ITV
The duo have coerced teenager April Windsor into distributing narcotics as she attempts to settle her boyfriend Dylan Penders' mounting debts.
Additionally, viewers have witnessed the pair holding Bear Wolf against his will at their farm as part of a modern slavery operation.
Ms Griffiths explained: "I knew it was finite, which I am very sad about, because I would like to stay forever, but it's such a strong arc."
The actress indicated her character's dark actions would ultimately lead to her departure once exposed to village residents.
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Jaye Griffiths admitted she was 'very sad' to be leaving the soap
|ITV
The actress lavished praise on the production environment, describing her workplace experience in glowing terms.
"It's heaven, one of the nicest places I've ever worked, and I've done a little bit of work before!" she added.
She characterised the atmosphere as "gentle and kind and professional and funny," emphasising how the team prioritises quality storytelling, The Mirror reports.
"People care that it's good. People care that we tell the story properly. It's a joy to come to work. I'm gushing now, aren't I?" she added.
The former Bill actress has found particular satisfaction in portraying such a complex antagonist.
She revealed her appreciation for exploring a character who remains utterly indifferent to others' opinions, noting that Celia considers external viewpoints to be worthless.
Griffiths expressed hope that the storyline would illuminate the reality of modern slavery occurring in British communities.
"It's not happening somewhere far, far away, it's happening next door," she stated, referencing victims whose documents and communication devices have been confiscated.
Jaye Griffiths has starred in ITV's Emmerdale for four months
|ITV
The actress anticipates a shift in public perception once her character's crimes are fully revealed.
"Everybody, they come up to me in the street and tell me how much they love Celia and you think, 'yeah, that's not going to last'," she remarked.
She emphasised the distinction between her on-screen persona and reality: "I want to remind people that it's just pretend and I am really nice and I'm not a sociopath. It's so not gonna last, I'm gonna get hate mail!"