Hollyoaks has confirmed that Rachel Adedeji will be leaving the show.

Rachel, who plays Lisa Loveday, will make her exit later this year.

Although the Channel 4 soap recently launched an investigation into racism on set after the star spoke out about facing prejudice at work, her decision to leave was made last year.

"Rachel made the decision to leave Hollyoaks to pursue other opportunities earlier last year, which saddened us at Hollyoaks as she is one of the leading cast members in the show," a Hollyoaks spokesperson said.

"However, the notice period did allow the writers time to give Lisa Loveday an extremely gripping exit storyline. Viewers will see this story play out later this year as her final scenes were filmed shortly before lockdown."

Rachel's spokesperson said: "It had always been our intention for Rachel to leave the show after a period of time.

"She loved her time on Hollyoaks, and the exit storyline was openly discussed with the producers and her together in a collaborative format."

On Tuesday (June 9), Hollyoaks' production company Lime Pictures announced plans to address on-set racism, including working with unconscious bias trainers, reviewing the current BAME writers and directors schemes, and encouraging all staff and freelancers to come forward to raise any "issues of concern or instances of unacceptable behaviour".

"We are very conscious that we need to do more and are committed to making changes that we need to make," Lime Pictures added in their statement.

"The onus is upon our company collectively and us all as individuals within our community to tackle racism, and it is a responsibility which all of us here at Hollyoaks are taking on fully."

Digital Spy