Hollie-Jay Bowes is once again set to depart Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, the actress, who plays fiery Michaela McQueen, said that she wants to go on to “explore new things.”

Bowes joined Hollyoaks in early 2006 and was a central character as part of the McQueen clan. She was sacked in 2010 but a year later reprised her role.

Hollyoaks airs weeknights on Channel 4 and E4