Sammy Winward quits Emmerdale after 13 years

Sammy Winward has quit her role of Katie Addyman in Emmerdale.

A statement on the soap’s official website confirms that the actress, who debuted as the character in 2001, will bow out of the ITV Yorkshire serial next year to pursue other acting work.

“Sammy Winward will leave Emmerdale in 2015 after playing Katie Addyman for 13 years. Her decision to pursue other acting opportunities, gives the writing team the opportunity to create a sensational, not-to-be missed storyline for her exit.” – Emmerdale

During her thirteen years in the Dales, Katie has been at the centre of a number of dramatic storylines, notably whipping up a storm in the Sugden family, in 2004, when she cheated on Andy with his brother Robert.

Winward reportedly apprised show chiefs of her decision to leave after filming her dramatic scenes for this year’s Christmas storyline in which Katie remarries Andy played by Kelvin Fletcher. Robert recently returned to the village after a four year absence and has been making life awkward for the newly-reunited couple.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.00pm on ITV/STV/UTV, with an additional episode on Thursdays at 8.00pm