Nicola Wheeler to leave 'Emmerdale'

Nicola Wheeler, who plays fiery temptress Nicola Blackstock in Emmerdale, is to leave the ITV soap.

Nicola's four-year stint in the Yorkshire-based serial drama has seen her screen counterpart involved in a string of meaty storylines, the most famous being when she was jilted at the altar by fiancé Carlos because of his affair with her half-sister Bernice (Samantha Giles). She has since seduced a number of the village Romeos including Syd (Nathan Gladwell) and Robert (Karl Davies) before setting down with her current fiancé Simon Meredith (Dale Meeks).

In recent weeks, Nicola has fallen for Ivan (Daniel Brocklebank) and been humiliated to discover that he is bi-sexual and dating her half-brother Paul (Mathew Bose).

Nicola’s dramatic exit will be screened in March when she leaves Emmerdale behind in a storm of controversy after making a move on binman Ivan with devastating results.

Of her exit, Nicola said: “I’ve had an amazing five years on the show but feel the time is right to try something new. I will miss everyone at Emmerdale desperately but I’m really excited about what the future holds.”

Series Producer Kath Beedles added: “Nicola has been an asset to the show and will be greatly missed. We wish her the best of luck in her future career.”