EMMERDALE crusty Shadrach Dingle is leaving the village after 12 years.
Actor Andy Devine, 67, is going into semi-retirement.
He may return to cause mayhem during big storylines.
A source said: "Andy loves the show but working on a soap is punishing and he needs time off.
"He'll dip in and out every couple of months but won't be a permanent fixture."
The Sun