Jamelia has revealed the real reason behind her sudden exit from Hollyoaks, as the soap is set to axe twenty characters in a time-jump cast cull.

The singer, 42, joined the soap as as Sharon Bailey in 2021 for a short before returning last year.

But Jamelia, who is starring soap star reality show Drama Queens, revealed that she decided to leave her recent venture as she had been struggling to juggle being a single parent to her four daughters with work.

Jamelia has been a single mother since her husband walked out when she was pregnant in 2022. 

'Hollyoaks was like a plaster on a very deep wound,' she said on the latest episode of ITVBe's Drama Queens. 'But I know I am not healed. I haven’t done the healing work that needs to be done. I can’t do it while focusing on such a demanding job on top of the most demanding job of being four peoples’ mum.'

Jamelia revealed the real reason behind her sudden exit from Hollyoaks in the latest episode of Drama Queens on Tuesday, as the soap is set to axe twenty characters in a time-jump cast cull

The singer, 42, joined the soap as as Sharon Bailey in 2021 for a short before returning last year

She added: 'I have loved my time at Hollyoaks. Every single second. But I know I have been blocking away something and I haven’t dealt with a lot of things and I have to take that time. 

'They offered me another year – I really wanted to say yes because I loved it but I know it wouldn’t be the right thing for me to do right now. 

'I don’t know if I am going to regret saying no. They have left it open… they haven’t killed Sharon off. Which I am truly grateful for. 

'But I need to take some time for myself. I need to just stop and think and process. And I need to deal with all the things I haven’t dealt with.'

Drama Queens viewers will follow Jamelia through her journey of family life and leaving Hollyoaks.

It was reported in March that bosses had decided to axe twenty cast members, but their identities had not yet been revealed.

However, one of the twenty stars was later accidentally as Jamelia, after ITV released a synopsis for their new reality show, Drama Queens.

The reality show follows nine female soap stars from across Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, and Coronation Street as they give soap fans a glimpse into their lives off camera. 

Part of the reality show's synopsis reads: 'Jamelia embarks on a transformative journey, prioritising her own well-being and family over the glitz of Hollyoaks' 

But Jamelia, who is starring soap star reality show Drama Queens, revealed that she decided to leave her recent venture as she had been struggling to juggle being a single parent to her four daughters with work

Drama Queens viewers will follow Jamelia through her journey of family life and leaving Hollyoaks

Part of its synopsis reads: 'Jamelia embarks on a transformative journey, prioritising her own well-being and family over the glitz of Hollyoaks. 

'As she prepares to bid farewell to the show, we witness her emotional transition, packing up her life in the UK to start anew in Dubai, all while cherishing the bond with her four daughters.'

The Sun reported that script writers have come up with a bizarre plan to 'time jump' the programme by a year, which will fast-forward 20 characters out of the soap permanently.

A source told the publication: 'Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soap land.

'In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode. But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut.

'The time jump is a way for Hollyoaks to say goodbye to the characters that need to go and give closure to the fans - but it will be controversial.' 

The Sun reported last month that Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox) and Owen Warner (Romeo Nightingale) had volunteered to leave. 

It was reported in March that bosses had decided to axe twenty cast members, but their identities had not yet been revealed

Lime Pictures, who makes the soap for Channel 4, opened the consultation period and asked those who want to go to stick their hands up. 

Ross Adams also decided to quit Hollyoaks after nine years one the soap, revealing the news in an Instagram update.

The actor, who has starred as Scott Drinkwell since 2015, revealed that while he was offered a new contract the crew were 'having a pretty rough time' and he felt it best to leave.

His departure comes after Channel 4 bosses cut budgets and slashed the number of episodes. 

The broadcaster announced that from September episodes would be cut from five to three, with the loss of 135 jobs.