Emmerdale star Emma Atkins has admitted she could be set to take a

break from the soap in the not too distant future.

The actress has played Charity Dingle on the ITV soap since 2000,

and has hinted at a possible – albeit temporary – exit for her character. Speaking to My Weekly (via OK! magazine), Emma said: ‘I might take a year out at some point in the future – do some travelling, do some other jobs.’

However, she was quick to reassure fans about her commitment to the Dales.

‘At the moment, I’m here to stay,’ she said.

‘As long as they’re writing brilliant stuff for my character and I love playing her, I don’t feel the need to go off and do anything else.’

Portrait of Emma

Recent Emmerdale scenes have seen Charity promise to help Belle King (Eden Taylor-Draper), who has battled an abusive relationship with husband Tom (James Chase).

In a storyline that began last year, Belle found herself in a horrible position being physically and mentally abused by husband Tom.

This week she bravely spoke up and reported him to the police.

Charity speaks to a worried Belle in Emmerdale

Earlier in the year, Emma spoke to This Morning’s Sharon Marshall about the importance of the story.

She said: ‘She’s been there with historical abuse but she can’t be sure either, she’s playing a very dangerous game because as soon as you open the flood gates and you’re wrong…he’s so clever Tom, isn’t he? It’s why no one is picking up on these traits and behavioural changes.

‘It’s difficult stuff to watch as well. We need to have these discussions happening in our own living rooms not just for women, but for men as well. It’s so important that we express that through the storyline happening at the moment.’