Confirmed: Seven 'Emmerdale' stars to leave

Seven Emmerdale characters are to leave this year as part of a major cast shakeup.

Sherrie Hewson and Dale Meeks, who play Lesley and Simon Meredith, have been confirmed as the first two to go.

"I've had a great time on Emmerdale but it's time to move on," said Hewson, who is leaving by mutual agreement. "I'm about to start the next series of Loose Women and am looking forward to moving on to other projects."

Meeks, whose on-screen fiancée Nicola Blackstock (Nicola Wheeler) leaves next month, said: "It's been an amazing two-and-a-half years and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am so grateful to Emmerdale for giving me such a fantastic opportunity - Simon has been a great character to play."

Both characters will leave the soap this summer but neither will be killed off, leaving the door open for a return in the future.