Emmerdale star Alice Coulthard to leave the soap

Alice Coulthard's character has been involved in some dramatic storylines

Emmerdale actress Alice Coulthard, who plays barmaid Maisie Wylde, is leaving the ITV1 soap, it has been announced.

The actress, who joined the cast two years ago, will leave later this year when her contract comes to an end.

In a statement, Coulthard said she has had a "wonderful time" and will "miss working with such a hard-working and talented team of people".

Soap bosses have refused to reveal how she will exit the show.

Producer Gavin Blyth said: "Maisie Wylde's compelling story will take more twists and turns in the coming months as she delves into darker territory which will culminate in her exit from the show.

"Alice has been a real asset to Emmerdale and we'll be sad to see her go later this year. We wish her all the very best for the future."

Since Maisie made her debut in the village in a pink Cadillac, she has been involved in several dramatic storylines.

She suffered a breakdown after falling in love with Ryan Lamb (James Sutton), and finding out he was actually her half-brother.

She is currently unaware that her mother, Natasha (Amanda Donohoe), has murdered her father, Mark (Maxwell Caulfield).