Emmerdale actress quits

13:26 09 April 2009

Emmerdale actress Anne Charleston has quit her role in the ITV soap to pursue new projects.

The 66-year-old Australian actress, who plays Lily Butterfield, is due to finish filming within the fortnight.

Charleston told Inside Soap magazine: "I've thoroughly enjoyed playing Lily for the last couple of years, but have agreed with the producers that the time is right for me to move on.

"I have a couple of new projects in the pipeline which I'm looking forward to enormously."

Down in the dales Are you addicted to Emmerdale's plots?

Charleston's character first appeared in the Yorkshire Dales as Edna Birch's (Shirley Stelfox) sister in 2003 for three episodes only to return in March the following year on a permanent basis.

The actress previously appeared in Australian soap Neighbours as Madge Bishop until her character was killed off in 2001.

She has also starred in ITV's Crossroads in 2003.

Charleston will remain on screen in Emmerdale until July.