Danny Miller to leave Emmerdale next spring

Emmerdale star Danny Miller has announced he is leaving the soap and will last be seen on screen as Aaron Livesy in spring 2012.

The 20-year-old actor has played the troubled mechanic since 2008, portraying many difficult storylines on screen, including Aaron's battle to accept his own sexuality, and his involvement in the assisted suicide of his paralysed boyfriend Jackson Walsh.

Danny said: "It has been an incredibly difficult decision, but after three years playing Aaron and much soul-searching I am eager to explore other roles.

"I am so grateful to Emmerdale for the opportunity that I have been given and have loved every moment. I will miss everyone enormously, but this might not be the last we see of Aaron."

Danny won best actor at the British Soap Awards this year.

Stuart Blackburn, series producer of Emmerdale, said: "We completely respect Danny's decision and are very grateful for the hard work and commitment he has brought to his role as Aaron. We wish him all the best for the future and in the meantime there is still plenty more drama to come from Aaron well into 2012."

Danny tweeted: "I have loved my time here and I love each and every person that has been a part of my life there. And I love them so much!

"I'll miss it because it's a massive part of my life. I will watch it for the rest of my life and I know the show will continue to go from strength to strength because it truly is an amazing show."