Emmerdale star Michael Wildman is reportedly quitting the ITV soap - amid a horror shooting storyline.
The actor - who has played Al Chapman on the programme for three years - is said to be exiting his role in the coming weeks in a bid to explore different acting opportunities. Multiple stars have exited - and returned - to the soap recently due to some huge storylines surrounding the soap's dramatic 50th anniversary with storms and drama galore.
The horror storm hit the village just days after matriarch Faith Dingle died amid her breast cancer battle, leaving her children Cain and Chas devastated. Elsewhere, Liv Flaherty died in horror scenes as she was crushed by a caravan in the storm, whilst Harriet Finch also died in a devastating quad bike fireball crash, leaving the whole village heartbroken.
There is also set to be a big exit for Danny Miller - who plays Aaron Dingle on the ITV soap - after he made his brief return to the show to mark its 50th anniversary. And as the month of incredible storylines comes to a close, there is one more dramatic one coming involving Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Al (Michael Wildman) as they face off in a horror shooting.
Spoilers for the ITV soap reveal the pair are locked in a showdown in the barn, as Cain finds out the truth about Chas' affair with Al. Hearing her phone go off, he calls the number - and is furious when he hears Al pick up. Angry and still grieving over his mum, he sets a trap and lures Al to the barn, a shotgun in his hand as he fumes over their affair.
Al and Cain face off, as he explains how the gun was only to get his attention. As they prepare to fight, they both notice the shotgun and both reach for it. As the gun goes off - who has shot who?
It has not yet been revealed who, if anyone, has been shot.
A source told The Sun of Michael's decision to exit the show: "Michael has really enjoyed his time at Emmerdale but it’s the right thing to move on. He’s had some massive storylines but all good things must come to an end."
Emmerdale's Sally Dexter - who played Faith - previously teased to The Mirror there would be drama ahead for Al and Cain.
"Well Al, oh my goodness, there’s something coming up there. I'm not sure how much you know. Viewers should always be looking out for Cain. It's very important," she warned at the Inside Soap Awards last week.
*Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV, with an hour long episode on Thursdays.
