Emmerdale actress Jaye Griffiths has officially confirmed her exit from the ITV soap, just six months after joining as the chillingly complex Celia Daniels. The acclaimed performer has opened up about her departure, describing her time in the Dales as “heaven” — even as her character’s dark deeds unravel in one of the show’s most disturbing storylines.

Celia Daniels’ Reign of Terror Comes to an End

Since her arrival over the summer, Celia has quietly evolved into one of Emmerdale’s most formidable villains. What began as whispers of shady dealings quickly escalated into a full-blown nightmare. Viewers have now learned that Celia has been running a county lines drug network, a forced prostitution ring, and even a modern slavery operation — all hidden behind the façade of her rural farm.

Teenager April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) was manipulated into selling drugs and later exploited by Celia’s son Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), while Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) was revealed to have been enslaved on Celia’s property.

It’s a storyline that’s pushed the boundaries of the soap, tackling deeply uncomfortable but real-world issues. And for Jaye Griffiths, it’s one that comes with a heavy heart — and a planned goodbye.

Jaye on Leaving Emmerdale: “I Knew It Was Finite”

Speaking to The Sun and other media outlets, Griffiths confirmed that her exit was always part of the plan:

“I knew it was finite, which I am very sad about, because I would like to stay forever, but it’s such a strong arc.”

Despite the darkness of Celia’s storyline, Griffiths said her experience on set had been overwhelmingly positive:

“It’s heaven, one of the nicest places I’ve ever worked — and I’ve done a little bit of work before! It is gentle and kind and professional and funny, and people care that it’s good. People care that we tell the story properly. It’s a joy to come to work.”

Raising Awareness Through Storytelling

The actress also expressed hope that Celia’s shocking storyline would spark meaningful conversations about modern slavery and exploitation happening closer to home than many realise.

“It’s not happening somewhere far away — it’s happening next door,” she explained. “There are people whose passports have been taken, whose phones have been taken. Celia has that line to Joe — ‘we never take local.’ You don’t take people who will be missed. You take the waifs and strays and lull them into routine. It’s hideous.”

She added that she often found her dialogue difficult to deliver because of its brutality:

“Sometimes, when I read the script, I think, ‘Really? You’re going to make me say that?’ Just when you think she’s gone far enough, they make me go further. It’s horrendous — but if it makes people think, then it’s worth it.”

A Villain Fans Loved to Hate

Though Celia’s actions have been monstrous, Jaye admitted she relished the challenge of portraying such a fearless, unapologetic woman.

“Yeah, I love her. She doesn’t have many laughs, but it’s wonderful to explore someone who doesn’t care whether you like her or not. She’s not afraid of anything because the worst that could happen has already happened — and she survived.”

As Emmerdale gears up for Celia’s downfall, fans can expect more shocking scenes as her empire begins to crumble and her victims finally find their voices.

What’s Next for Jaye Griffiths?

While this marks the end of Jaye’s time in Emmerdale, the respected actress — known for her roles in Silent Witness, Doctors, and Casualty — has hinted she’s open to future projects. “It’s sad to say goodbye,” she admitted, “but what a ride it’s been.”