© ITV
Emmerdale star James Thornton has announced that he is leaving the soap.
The actor will bow out from his role as John Barton early next year after portraying the character since 2009.
Thornton commented: "I have had a fantastic time playing John for the past three years, but it's the longest I have ever played one part and the time now feels right to move on.
"I have decided to leave on a high with a big exit storyline in 2012, which I'm really excited about. I will miss all my colleagues at Emmerdale and have many very fond memories of my time in the Dales."
Emmerdale's series producer Stuart Blackburn added: "James has created a truly memorable character in John and he will be greatly missed, but his decision to leave has enabled us to play a hugely gripping and dramatic storyline which will be a highlight in Emmerdale in the coming months."
John was recently left devastated when his wife Moira (Natalie J Robb) betrayed him by embarking on an affair with bad boy Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).
The farmer's fury over the situation will lead to him becoming a suspect when Cain is brutally attacked in a whodunit storyline which begins next week.
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