Popular Shortland Street star Amelia Reid-Meredith, who plays Bella Durville, has announced she is leaving the soap opera after six years.
The actress, who has completed filming her final scenes, has now left Auckland but hasn't ruled out a return to the Street in the future.
In a statement, she said: "This has not been an easy decision for me to make. I have enjoyed every moment of my time on the show and learnt so much in the process. I have decided it's time to take a break and pursue other projects and opportunities."
Producer Maxine Fleming said details of Bella's final storyline were firmly under wraps but there are "still lots of twists to come".
Reid-Meredith will remain on screen until November.
