'Emmerdale' cast rumours aplenty

[Perdita]

There's a report in one of today's tabloids with various suggestions as to the fate of numerous cast members.

The article claims that Emily Symons (Louise Appleton) is taking a break; Matthew Bose (Paul Lambert) is on the verge of quitting; Ayden Callaghan's character Miles De Souza is being killed off; and Verity Rushworth (Donna Windsor-Dingle) and Jenna-Louise Coleman (Jasmine Thomas) are leaving.

Emily Symons is, indeed, taking a break from the show. A spokeswoman for the Yorkshire-based soap said: "Emily will be going back to Australia for family reasons, but she will be back."

Meanwhile, Matthew Bose is currently in discussions with producers over a new contract, as are half of the cast. Verity Rushworth and Jenna-Louise Coleman are in the same boat, but both expressed their wish to take a break from the show. When the break happens, however, has yet to be decided.

The spokeswoman added: "Matthew is contracted to the end of the year and contract discussions for 2009 are still ongoing."

And finally, Miles De Souza isn't being killed off. The door's being left open for his return.

[Perdita]

Emmerdale's series producer Anita Turner has sparked fears that a major cast cull could be on the way, according to a report.

The show's stars are currently preparing to negotiate new contracts for the ITV1 soap next week. According to The Mirror, Turner has already warned that every cast member is "under review".

An insider told the newspaper: "No one is safe. Over the next few weeks there is going to be a big shake-up and some will head for the exit. It is no secret Anita wants to breathe in new life even at the cost of losing big names. Everyone is worried for their future."

A spokesman for the soap confirmed: "Actors are never contracted beyond 12 months. Contracts for 2009 are under way as is the case every year. We do not comment on speculation about the long-term future of characters."

Turner joined the ITV1 soap at the beginning of the year. Shortly afterwards, Christopher Villiers (Grayson Sinclair) and Richard Grieve (Jonny Foster) were axed. It was then claimed that Turner had sacked two-year-old Benjamin Shooter, who played Samson Dingle, for crying too much on set.

The show's leading lady has promised to bring Emmerdale "back to its roots" in the coming months. She has also pledged to replace departing cast members with new faces.

[Chris_2k11]

Don't really see the point in Louise anymore she doesnt do anything nowadays. Half the cast needs replacing imo, way too many pointless characters. Bring back Charity I say!