The actor played a central role in the ITV soap and was pivotal to one of its biggest ever storylines.

Actor Oliver Farnworth joined the soap as the mysterious serial killer John Sugden last summer.

And now The Sun can exclusively reveal that he will be leaving soon.

A source said: “It’s the beginning of the end for John. He’s got away with so much but he’s about to make a fatal mistake that sees him exposed for what he is.

“Obviously Oliver knew that a character like John had a shelf life and that’s rapidly approaching.

“He’s loved his time on the show but there’s still plenty of twists and turns coming before he departs for good.”

The Sun exclusively revealed last week how the soap had filmed devastating murder scenes for Mackenzie Boyd as Oliver’s character John strikes again.

A source said: “The scenes are going to be really harrowing for fans to watch.

“Mackenzie has been in so many scrapes and dangerous positions but this time it looks like he’s bitten off more than he can chew.

“Viewers will be on the edges of their seats watching what happens.”

The scenes are set to air later this year after Mackenzie makes a chilling discovery about John.

Mackenzie actor Lawrence Robb has filmed the heartbreaking death scenes for his character.

The insider added: “There are huge twists and turns coming throughout this storyline and it’s going to run for months and months.

“Nothing can be ruled out – bosses are really going for it and doing everything they can to keep the audience on their toes.”

An Emmerdale spokeswoman declined to comment.