Popular Neighbours star Morgana O'Reilly has left the show permanently, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
The actress's character Naomi Canning departed screens in Australia yesterday, heading off to the US for a new job after her relationship with Paul Robinson ended bitterly.
O'Reilly welcomed the arrival of a baby girl with her husband Peter Salmon in August and fans had assumed that she was on maternity leave.
However, Digital Spy can exclusively confirm that Naomi's exit is actually a permanent one as O'Reilly is hoping to pursue new acting projects.
Show bosses left the door open with Naomi's final storyline in the hope that O'Reilly could return at some point in the future.
Naomi says goodbye as she leaves Erinsborough
© Channel 5
Naomi says her goodbyes
Neighbours' series producer Jason Herbison told Digital Spy: "The Neighbours audience fell in love with Naomi instantly and we have certainly left the door wide open for her to rejoin the Cannings in the future - Sheila wouldn't have it any other way.
"In the meantime we wish Morgana all the best with motherhood and her other endeavours - she is an incredible talent."
O'Reilly was cast as Sheila's estranged daughter in late 2013 and made her first appearance on the show in March 2014.
Naomi asks Paul to keep their engagement secret out of respect for Kyle
© Channel 5
Naomi and Paul
Naomi quickly caused a stir on the Street as she fell for Toadie Rebecchi and made a play for him, jeopardising his marriage to Sonya even though he didn't respond to her advances.
After brief romances with Josh Willis and Mark Brennan, Naomi later developed feelings for Paul while working as his executive assistant - but their rocky relationship was ultimately doomed to fail.
Neighbours fans in the UK will see Naomi's departure on Friday, October 16 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
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