'Emmerdale' actress Deena Payne is set to take a year out from the soap in order to spend more time with her family.
The 53-year-old actress, who plays Viv Hope in the soap, has reportedly said that she plans to take time out from filming beginning next summer.
Payne told the Daily Star: "After 16 years enjoying the part of Viv, I feel ready to take a break to spend some time with my family and be a supportive mother through my son's GCSE year."
"A change is as good as a rest and I'm also looking forward to 'Dancing around the World and Back' as I am a patron of this charity, and then returning to 'Emmerdale' with renewed vigour."
A spokesperson for 'Emmerdale' said that Payne's on-screen husband Bob Hope, played by Tony Audenshaw, will remain in the show during her absence.
"Deena's decision to take a break will not affect her on-screen husband Tony Audenshaw, who is contracted for next year."
