Joseph Gilgun has revealed that he is leaving ITV’s Emmerdlae.

Joe has played Eli Dingle on the show since 2006 but admitted that it is time to move on.

Speaking at the premiere of his new film Harry Brown, Joseph said: “It will be sad to leave – I’ve made a lot of good friends there, but I think it is time to move on as far as my career is concerned.”

Joe’s next role will be in spin-off TV series of Shane Meadows’ This Is England, in which Joseph played Woody.

“It’s really exciting to see all the old gang,” he said.

An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Joseph Gilgun will be leaving Emmerdale early next year but we’re not ruling out the possibility of him returning to the show. We wish Joe all the very best for the future.”