Linda Lusardi to leave Emmerdale

26 September 2007 - Linda Lusardi has announced that she is planning to leave Emmerdale to take part in other acting projects.

The actress, who started her career as a Page Three model, said that she appreciated the "wonderful opportunity" given to her by the soap but was ready to move on.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed playing Carrie Nicholls for the last year. I am looking forward to working on new projects in 2008," she said.

Lusardi joined Emmerdale in February of this year, playing Carrie Nicholls. It was later revealed that the father of her on-screen daughter Scarlett was murdered businessman Tom King - and that Carrie had also engaged in a tryst with King's son Carl in the past.

Emmerdale series producer Kathleen Beedles said that they were planning plenty more dramatic storylines for Lusardi before her departure.

"We've got some fantastic storylines coming up involving Carrie in the coming months. We wish Linda all the very best for the future," she commented.

Other television appearances for London-born Lusardi include The Bill and Brookside.

She is married to Samuel Kane - who has appeared in Brookside and Coronation Street - and the couple have two children.

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