'Neighbours' exit for Jade Mitchell confirmed

Published Jun 8 2012, 16:34 BST  |  By Daniel Kilkelly

Neighbours star Gemma Pranita has confirmed rumours that she is leaving the soap.

The actress will film her final scenes as Jade Mitchell in August after two years playing the role.



Pranita told Channel 5: "The decision was made with a heavy heart as I love this job, but I just felt that two years was long enough to play one character.

"I became an actor to play lots of different characters and, while Jade has been an amazing role, I feel I want to challenge myself to do other things."

Pranita will work on a project with her theatre company Cry Havoc in Sydney after filming her Neighbours exit. She is then planning to search for acting opportunities in Los Angeles.

She commented: "I've always aspired to have a crack at LA, and I don't want to be left wondering. However, I'm definitely not opposed to working in Australia - I love the industry here."

Pranita also promised that "hearts will be broken and lots of tears will be shed" in the final storyline for Jade, who is currently in a relationship with Kyle Canning (Christopher Milligan).

Neighbours fans will see Jade's exit towards the end of the year.