Dales Atkins 'shocked' at Deena Payne axe

Emmerdale's Emma Atkins has said that the announcement of co-star Deena Payne's upcoming departure from the show was "a shock".

The actress, who plays Charity Tate in the Yorkshire-based soap, told Holy Soap that she is sad Payne will leave the role of Viv Hope this winter after 18 years on the show.

Atkins said at the launch of Emmerdale spinoff DVD The Dingles: For Richer, For Poorer: "I am very sad [that Payne is leaving].

"It was a bit of a shock initially but I think it will be amazing for Deena to have a rebirth, and go out into the world and do her own thing.

"She's very talented as a dancer and a singer as well so I think she'll be very successful and I wish her all the luck."

She added that Payne was content with the decision to axe Viv Hope, saying: "It was a bit shocking to begin with but it's just one of those things, and she's happy."