Major Hollyoaks star set to exit after 13 years as cast changes continue

Hollyoaks star Ela-May Demircan is reportedly set to exit ahead of the changes coming to into effect next month.

The Channel 4 soap will reduce its weekly episodic output from five to three in September.

It was reported earlier this year that 20 characters would be written out to facilitate the changes, with Stephanie Waring – who has played Cindy Cunningham for almost three decades – confirming that her character was one of those to go.

Steph’s departure, which has yet to air on screen, devastated fans and it wasn’t the only sad news, with Metro subsequently confirming in June that Matthew James Bailey – who portrays fan-favourite Ethan Williams – would also be leaving the show.

Warren Fox star Jamie Lomas will also depart, with the character currently embroiled in a storyline that saw him become the target of gangster Blue.

The storyline in question will facilitate Warren’s exit.

Ross Adams, Glynis Barber and Jon-Paul Bell – who played Scott Drinkwell, Norma Crow and Beau Ramsey respectively – have already been written out, with their final scenes having divided fans.

Ela-May, who has played Leah Barnes – daughter of mainstay Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) – for 13 years, is the next to leave according to The Sun.

Leah has been at the centre of a number of huge stories over the years and even featured heavily in a story earlier this year following the death of her best mate Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer), who was knocked down by Ste.

‘Ela-May has loved her time on the soap but it’s time to move on,’ a source told the publication.

Leah was recently left devastated by the death of best mate Ella (Picture: Lime Pictures)