EMMERDALE star Gabrielle Dowling is to take a break from the soap after 18 years.
The actress – who plays Cathy Hope in the ITV soap – has played troubled Cathy since she was a baby.
Gabrielle Dowling will take a break from Emmerdale later this year[/caption]
The actress has played Cathy Hope since she was a baby[/caption]
But now The Sun can reveal that Gabrielle will be taking some time off from the show to take her exams.
A source said: “Gabrielle has been working solidly on the show for her entire life but with her A levels coming up thought it was best to take a break to focus on them.
“She will be gone for a matter of months and will return later in the year once exam season is over.
“Her exit storyline is being kept quiet until it plays out on screen but it’s only going to be a temporary one.”
Emmerdale has been contacted for comment.
Last year her real-life twin brother Sebastian quit his role as Heath and was killed off in the show in a devastating car crash.
The actress hit the headlines earlier this month when she revealed she had a secret second career as a dog trainer – and was competing in Crufts.
Appearing at the prestigious canine competition she had secured a place in two categories with her chocolate cocker spaniel, Fizz.
Gabrielle bred Fizz on her family farm and trained her up herself.
“Fizz is a very sensitive dog,” the actress told Inside Soap.
“She will always try her best in every class, which has led us to win two qualifiers for Crufts in two different categories.
“She’s a brilliant dog who knows her job, wants to please, whilst of course having fun.”
Gabrielle added: “We’ve qualified in the Young Kennel Club Jumping Cup and Pairs Agility, with my partner Lilliana and her dog Fire.”
The star is serious about her other career – and she’s even taken courses so she can become a judge in the future.
“I’ve completed a judging course this year,” she addd.
“This is so I can become a qualified agility judge, which allows me to judge other dogs and handlers in agility competitions, as well as set grade appropriate courses for them to tackle.”
Gabrielle and dog Fizz took part in Crufts this year[/caption]
