'Emmerdale' cast head for the door

Emmerdale actors are heading for the exit door after the arrival of new boss Anita Turner.

Verity Rushworth, who plays policewoman Donna Windsor-Dingle, has told show bosses she wants a break after more than ten years on the soap. Jenna-Louise Coleman is also reported to be eager to leave her role as Jasmine Thomas.

An insider told The Sun: "Both stars are contracted until December but they've warned bosses they don’t see themselves staying. Their final scenes will air early next year."

A spokesperson for Emmerdale responded: "Verity and Jenna both expressed an interest last year in taking a break. Nothing will be confirmed until we begin contract negotiations for 2009."

Gay characters Grayson Sinclair (Christopher Villiers) and Johnny Foster (Richard Grieve) are also alleged to be leaving the show, while recent cast addition Ayden Callaghan, who plays Miles De Souza, will be killed off this year.

It was reported last month that morale had dropped on the soap with the arrival of new series producer Turner.