Emmerdale star Fiona Wade has issued a special message to viewers after her final scenes on the show aired.
The 43-year-old, best known for playing Priya Sharma on the ITV soap, announced her departure from the programme last year. The actress said leaving the show after eleven years was one of the "hardest decisions" she had to make.
This week, scenes of her exit, which were filmed last year, aired for the first time. Viewers saw Priya take on a new challenge and move to London with her daughter.
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Not everyone was happy about her leaving, but many turned up to her goodbye party at the Woolpack. Similarly, many ITV viewers wished the actress well but said they would miss her on the show.
Fiona has now taken to social media to thank colleagues, friends and fans for their support after "the most incredible eleven years". Sharing a video of pictures of the cast and crew, she wrote on Instagram: "It’s been the most incredible 11 years playing Priya Sharma so saying goodbye to my Emmerdale family wasn’t easy.
"I have loved playing Priya and I am so thankful to Emmerdale & ITV for the incredible opportunities that they have given me over so many years. So many wonderful memories and such a gift of a job."
She added: "Thank you to Reece Dinsdale, Abe Jukes & @gsiougas who were my wonderful directors on my last week. Thank you for your compassion and great direction as always! Thank you to the whole Emmerdale team you are all amazing!
"To my beautiful friends that I take with me, thank you for being there it meant the world. To my wonderful Sharma family @chrisbisson @bhaskerpatel @rebeccasarker @rik_makarem #TrudieGoodwin You know how much I love you.. Thank you for everything! And to all the Emmerdale viewers thank you for all your support over the years. Here’s to the next chapter!"
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