Emmerdale actress quits

Alice Coulthard, who stars as barmaid Maisie Wylde, will...

14:06 30 June 2010

Emmerdale actress Alice Coulthard has announced that she plans to leave the ITV soap.

After two years on the show, the star, who plays barmaid Maisie Wylde, has chosen not to renew her contract which expires this year.

Alice said: "After two amazing years I've decided to leave Emmerdale.

"I've had a wonderful time and will miss working with such a hard-working and talented team of people.

"I feel privileged to have been involved in some of the show's most gripping storylines and I'm excited to be a part of the drama that is about to unfold for the Wyldes."

After arriving via a pink Cadillac, her character has been a part of numerous plotlines including falling in love with Ryan Lamb (James Sutton), and suffering a breakdown after discovering he was actually her half-brother.

To add to the family-related heartache, she is currently unaware that her mother, Natasha (Amanda Donohoe), has murdered her father, Mark (Maxwell Caulfield).

Series producer Gavin Blyth said: "Maisie Wylde's compelling story will take more twists and turns in the coming months as she delves into darker territory which will culminate in her exit from the show.

"Alice has been a real asset to Emmerdale and we'll be sad to see her go later this year. We wish her all the very best for the future."