The star will reportedly depart in the coming weeks.

Hollyoaks star Ela-May Demircan is being tipped for an exit as Leah Barnes.

Ela-May has played the character for 13 years, though will reportedly be departing the soap in the next few weeks, according to The Sun.

The publication reports that the actor is looking to move on and play new roles, though details of her exit storyline remain under wraps for now.

Digital Spy has reached out to Hollyoaks for comment.

Reports of Ela-May’s departure follow news of staff cuts and several cast exits on the soap, as it shifts to three episodes a week from September. The changes will also see a one-year time jump on screen after the show airs a major autumn stunt.

Speaking back in February, Lime Pictures’ managing directors Kate Little and Claire Poyser said of the reductions: “Given the success of the new streaming-first model, we are delighted that Hollyoaks remains at the forefront of Channel 4’s digital first strategy.

“There are implications that will mean we have to reshape Hollyoaks’ production model and amidst the buoying news for the future of the show and its audience, we must also acknowledge that a reduction in cast and crew will be very difficult and we will support everyone in that process.”

One of the latest departures has been Jon-Paul Bell as Beau Ramsey, with the actor’s final scenes airing earlier this month as Beau was jailed for murdering Declan Hawthorne.

Following his departure, Bell shared his thanks to the soap on Instagram, writing: “It’s been a pleasure @hollyoaksofficial…

“Thank you to my on screen family @nickpickardofficial, @alexfletcher00 and the rest of the brilliant cast & crew for making my time here so special.”

Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.