Emmerdale Sh0ck: Actress announces EXIT to HAVE A BABY, hints at return, leaving fans Torn!

Close up of Georgia Jay as Steph Milligan in Emmerdale

Emmerdale star Georgia Jay is leaving the show on materinity leave after less than a year (Image: ITV)

An Emmerdale star who has been at the centre of one of the soap’s most controversial storylines is getting set to exit the show in the coming weeks. Georgia Jay, who plays Steph Miligan in the long-running ITV drama, has been on the show for just a year. Her character learnt she was the product of family sexual abuse after Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) exposed her father, Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day), as an abuser after Steph reunited with her family. The revelation came after Ruby murdered Anthony.

While the trauma of learning something like that would be a good enough reason for anyone to flee the village, there is a happier reason for Georgia’s departure: She will be on maternity leave. The actress confirmed her pregnancy last month after fans began to notice her growing bump on screen. Taking to Instagram, she posted a stylish black-and-white image that showcased her blossoming bump. “As you’ve probably guessed, I’ve got some news to share,” she wrote in the caption.

 

“I know some of you have been wondering if you’ve been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it’s not your imagination… I’m having a baby! We’ve never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support.”

She was flooded with support from her co-stars, who flocked to the comments following her announcement.

Lisa Reilly, who plays Mandy Dingle, wrote: “You absolute beauty…. BUMPALISHOUS BABY!!!!” Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield, simply wrote: “Beautiful Mama,” followed by a love heart emoji.

Meanwhile, Brad Riches, who recently joined the soap as Lewis Barton, wrote in all capitals: “CONGRATS XXX! I LOVE YOU!”

Anthony Fox looks angry as he stands behind Steph Milligan in an Emmerdale publicity still

Steph Milligan discovered her grandfather Anthony Fox was actually her father in Emmerdale (Image: ITV)

While details of her exit are being kept under wraps, a source claimed Steph is set to flee abroad.

“Everyone’s thrilled for Georgia and can’t wait to see her back when she’s ready,” they told The Sun.

“Steph’s exit will happen in the next few weeks, and she will flee abroad in typically dramatic fashion.

“But with Anthony’s body still out there, there’s a huge storyline still to be wrapped up for when she returns.”