Emmerdale star Jurell Carter has quit his role as Nate Robinson after five years.
The character's exit came on Friday (September 13) following a violent showdown with his dad Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) after he was accused of having another affair with Moira (Natalie J Robb). But it was his step-mum who tried to kiss him as Moira continued to struggle with her health.
After rekindling their romance, Tracy Robinson (Amy Walsh) didn't believe Nate was innocent and shunned their plans to move to Shetland as a family so he could start a new job on a wind farm.
But as a fire ripped through Moira's barn threatening the lives of many villagers, including Cain, it appeared Nate made an abrupt exit for Shetland without saying goodbye as he "lost everything."
Speaking to Express and other press about his exit, soap star Jurell said: "It's always been in the back of my head. My agent was itching for me to go probably a few years ago, but I said to him that it doesn't feel like the right time, I'm in the right place and I'd know when the time is right."
He added: "It never felt like the right time. But I feel like I've reached the point where it's now or never, in a sense that if I don't do it now I'll... not live to regret it, but always be wondering 'what if?' I just didn't want that feeling. I feel like five years is the perfect time for me as an actor to try and move onto something else."
As Nate leaves Emmerdale alone for a new life, Jurell explained his character's motives. He continued: "I think he's just devastated. All he's ever wanted is a relationship with his father.
"For Cain to get the wrong idea... as far as Cain's aware, he thinks Nate and Moira have kissed. Obviously Nate is devastated because, as far as Nate's concerned, Moira came onto him. He's just devastated and heartbroken."
Jurell added: "That even Cain believes Nate would do such a thing, he's taken their relationship back to square one. He's heartbroken that Cain thinks Nate has gone there again."
He went on: "It feels like everything is just falling apart overnight. It's huge for him but family is massive for Nate. The fact that family is everything to him, it's a pivotal moment in terms of Nate going forward and his decision leaving everyone behind.
"It's not what he wanted to do, but he's been left with no choice. Everything has shattered apart. He's lost his family and everything else."
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm, with an hour long episode every Thursday
