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Beloved Hollyoaks star leaves soap after five years to focus on West End career

A Hollyoaks favourite has announced their departure with their final scenes set to be aired later this year - They hope to chase their dream of becoming a West End star

[Huge Hollyoaks character set to leave]

Huge Hollyoaks character set to leave(Image: Handout)

Adored Hollyoaks actress Dawn Hope has quit the Channel 4 soap after five years and is set to film her final scenes next month.

The actress first stepped into the Cheshire-based village in 2021 as Pearl Anderson, alongside her on-screen daughter Sharon, played by pop star Jamelia, 45.

Upon joining the show Dawn said: "Im absolutely thrilled to be introducing the fun-loving Pearl, with her vibrant and stylish energy, as I join the warm and welcoming Hollyoaks team."

However, now The Sun has revealed she's decided to walk away from the soap to focus on her career in theatre after previously having starring roles in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors and Guys and Dolls.

Pearl's last scenes will air later this year but according to insiders her exit will not be final as she's expected to make the odd guest appearance.

[Dawn Hope had early success in theatre]

Dawn Hope had early success in theatre(Image: Channel 4)

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A source told the publication: "Dawn loves being on the show but the pull of being back on the stage has become too strong.

"Shes a legend in the West End and wants to go back to the stage.

"She told bosses last year about her plans well in advance so they could craft her a huge exit but instead they surprised her and offered her the option of staying as a guest star.

[Dawn will continue to make guest appearances ]

Dawn will continue to make guest appearances

"It means Dawn can go off and take whatever projects she wants but the door is well and truly open.

"The way it will work going forward is if the show wants her and she has free time then she will appear but with such a full on schedule it wont be for a while."

Dawn also briefly starred in Coronation Street for two years playing villain Kirsty Soames mum Alison.

And as Hope prepares to leave the serial drama, an old face is returning within the next month - Cindy Cunningham, played by Steph Waring, is returning following a two-year absence.

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