This Morning star Sharon Marshall has confirmed reports that Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan has quit the soap.
Pete Barton will depart the ITV show after almost six years, while details surrounding his exit storyline have yet to be confirmed.
After reports emerged of the actor quitting the soap, the news remained unconfirmed until Tuesday when Emmerdale writer Sharon revealed it was true.
She also explained the reason the actor had quit the soap, while teasing he wouldn't be going anywhere for a little while yet.
Speaking to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, she said: "He is [leaving], yes.
"There was a piece in the papers today... it is true. He has said he wants to go off and do some other projects."
On how Pete might vacate the Dales, as one of the few remaining Bartons, Sharon confessed she had no idea as of yet.
She explained: "I can't even tell you how he's going I'm afraid cos we havn't actually written it yet.
"We will miss him, he's a lovely actor... but yes he is going. We've got him on screen for a while yet."
Pete will rumble his aunt Moira Dingle's affair with Nate Robinson this week, while it's not yet known if he will reveal all to Moira's husband Cain.
It is set to be exposed during the soap's big week in October, while how that happens is not confirmed.
Pete had heartache of his own earlier in the year, when his romance with Rhona Goskirk came to an end.
His departure follows the exits of his brother Ross and half-brother Adam last year, while a year earlier his mother Emma and brother Finn both died. Pete's father James and cousin Holly also died in 2016 on the soap.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
