Emmerdale actor, Matt healy, has announced that he will be leaving the ITV1 soap after playing character Matthew King for the last five years.

Matt said: “After nearly five years of wearing Matthew’s suits every morning and having to shave every day, I feel ready to pull on some bermuda shorts and grow a goatee!

“On a serious note, I’ve had a brilliant time at Emmerdale and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

Anita Turner, series producer of Emmerdale, added: “Matt has been an asset to the show but we have both agreed that Matthew King will leave Emmerdale in an explosive storyline at the end of the year.

“We wish Matt all the best for the future.”