Emmerdale has confirmed a shock exit for Doug Potts, as actor Duncan Preston leaves the soap after 13 years in the role.
A spokesperson for the soap has confirmed to Digital Spy that Doug Potts will be leaving the village this week, and that there are no plans for him to return at the moment.
The 73-year-old actor joined the cast of Emmerdale back in 2007, when Doug was introduced as the father of Caroline Swann (Sarah Moyle) and fan favourite Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy).
Related: Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas opens up over Arthur's secret in new scenes
Over the years, his storylines have seen him help Laurel with her alcohol addiction, as well as engage in romances with Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) and Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop).
More recently, Doug turned to cannabis to help with his back pain, while this week will see Laurel tell her dad that her son Arthur has been bullying her partner Jai Sharma's (Chris Bisson) son Archie, and was the one to blame for Archie's injuries.
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It comes after Laurel and her family finally return to the village after a trip to Australia for Sandy Thomas's funeral.
Doug also returns with the news that Betty Eagleton has invited him to move in with her in Australia, which would mean the end of his relationship with Brenda.
With the confirmation that Doug is leaving the village this week, will he decide to make the move to the other side of the world? Viewers will have to tune in to find out what's in store.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
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