Kelle Bryan has left Hollyoaks after four years playing Martine Deveraux.
News of the character's departure was kept under wraps until Friday when the exit aired on E4's first-look episodes - scenes which will be broadcast on Channel 4 tonight.
As part of the storyline, Martine decides to leave the village after learning that son Toby has been attacked in prison and will be moved for his own safety.
Talking on Loose Women, Bryan said: "This is a secret I've been keeping for so long, so actually saying it out loud feels really weird.
"Tonight on Hollyoaks will be my very last scene. I'm departing the show after four years of playing the same character. I'm off!
"Tonight the Hollyoaks fans will be able to see what happens to Martine and all of the dynamics between myself and Richard Blackwood, who plays my husband."
Another major character is also leaving the soap as Gary Lucy bows out as Luke Morgan in tonight's first-look episode on E4 at 7pm.
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