Emmerdale actor Jurell Carter has insisted that it was "the perfect time" for him to bow out after more than five years playing Nate Robinson.
The character - son of Cain (Jeff Hordley) and ex-husband of Tracy (Amy Walsh) - left the village under a cloud this week, having been falsely accused of making a pass at Cain's wife Moira (Natalie J Robb).
Speaking about Nate's departure, Carter admitted to The Mirror that the thought of leaving the soap had been in his mind for some time.
"It's always been in the back of my head," he said. "My agent was itching for me to go probably a few years ago, but I said to him that 'it doesn't feel like the right time, I'm in the right place and I'd know when the time is right'. It never felt like the right time.
"But I feel like I've reached the point where it's now or never, in a sense that if I don't do it now I'll... not live to regret it, but always be wondering 'what if?' I just didn't want that feeling. I feel like five years is the perfect time for me as an actor to try and move onto something else."
He continued: "It's just been massive for me as well. The character of Nate and myself share a mindset of wanting to go onto a next chapter, but also just being emotional and sad over leaving everything behind. That's how I feel as an actor, in terms of leaving a show that I love.
"I would speak to some of my colleagues and say it's a weird one, because it's not like I hate my job, it's not like I hate my surroundings or the people that I'm working with. I love everyone and I love the job. I'm excited for my future but I'm also sad to be leaving behind such a beautiful show and beautiful people."
Emmerdale continues weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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