52 year old actress, Deena Payne has called an urgent meeting with Emmerdale bosses, asking for a break from her hectic filming schedule.

Deena, who plays Viv Hope in the soap opera, wants to take a years break from the TV show in order to spend more time with her family.

The actress told the Daily Star: “After 16 years enjoying the part of Viv, I feel ready to take a break to spend some time with my family and be a supportive mother through my son’s GCSE year.

“A change is as good as a rest and I’m also looking forward to ‘Dancing around the World and Back’ as I am a patron of this charity, and then returning to Emmerdale with renewed vigour.”

A spokeswoman for the soap added: “Deena’s decision to take a break will not affect her on-screen husband Tony Audenshaw, who is contracted for next year.”