Emmerdale star Duncan Preston is to take a break from the soap to tread the boards in To Kill A Mockingbird, DS can confirm.
The actor, who plays Doug Potts on the ITV1 show, has signed up to appear as iconic lawyer Atticus Finch in a forthcoming stage version of Harper Lee's 1960 novel.
Preston will take on the stage role early next year as the production begins a tour around the country.
An ITV spokesperson told DS that Preston will take a five-month break from Emmerdale from January in order to appear in the play.
Preston previously portrayed Finch in a 2007 production of the tale, which saw his performance receive critical acclaim.
The star has been part of the Emmerdale cast for three years.