KELVIN Fletcher has opened up about the real reason he’s quit Emmerdale for good.

This week viewers of the ITV soap were left in tears as his character Andy Sugden left the village for good after 20 years on the show.

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Kelvin Fletcher opened up about why he was leaving the hit show

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The actor has been a long running member of the soap since he was a child
Speaking about his decision on This Morning, the actor said: “Twenty years is a long time. It’s been incredible twenty years. I am so grateful to Emmerdale. Throughout that period I have always had a real sense of fulfilment and purpose.

“What started out as a hobby at six years old – I was then able to do something like that every day on a professional platform on one of the country’s greatest shows. I have been extremely lucky.

“Looking back over 20 years it has been a rollercoaster and for me it’s give me passion to leave and continue.”

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The actor says he is now ready to move on and try new things

Kelvin's character was accused of shooting Lawrence White

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Kelvin’s character was accused of shooting Lawrence WhiteCredit: ITV
Continuing about making the tough move, he said: “I think the major thing with soap opera is that every day you are challenged – the amount of storylines I go through, the amount of emotions I get to play. It’s a really challenging place to work that I feel like I am ready now  – I’ve always had aspirations like other actors to do other things and try other challenges and work in other genres.

“My time came now. It’s a decision I have pondered on for about 18 months. About 12 months ago I made the decision to leave, with no discredit to the show – if anything it was because of their creativity which has given me a sense of confidence and believe I could go on and do something else.”

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Viewers watched as he left the village for goodCredit: ITV
The actor went on to hint that he could return to the show at some point as his character wasn’t killed off.

“You never know with a long running show. That is for them to decide,” he said.

Last night viewers watched as his character, who had just escaped from jail, went on the run after being framed for the attempted murder of Lawrence White –  the dad of his girlfriend Chrissie White.

His final scenes saw him putting his issues with his brother Robert aside and viewers wept as they embraced for the final time.