'Neighbours' star confirms departure plans

Neighbours star Natalie Blair has confirmed that she will film her final scenes for the Aussie soap in September.

The 24-year-old actress has decided to leave Ramsay Street in favour of new projects after five years of playing Carmella Cammeniti.

"I made the decision in December when I was doing a pantomime in the UK, but I cannot believe it is actually happening now," Natalie told the Herald Sun.

"I am eager to try new things and go to a place where people have no idea what I have done," she continued. "I want to experiment with what works for me and what doesn't as a performer. Ideally, I would love to go to America. My heart is set on going to New York because I would love to keep training in musical theatre and developing my skills."

Pippa Black, who plays Elle Robinson, also recently revealed that she will leave the show before the end of the year.