Emmerdale fans were left stunned earlier this year when Daisy Campbell, the beloved actress behind Amelia Spencer, announced her exit from the ITV soap. At just 22, Daisy has already spent more than half

her life inhabiting the world of the Yorkshire village, having joined the show as a wide-eyed seven-year-old. Her departure marked the end of an era not just for the character,

but for the actress herself, who admits that leaving the show plunged her into what she describes as a “dark hole.”

A Childhood on Screen

Daisy’s journey on Emmerdale began in 2010, when she first stepped onto the set as Amelia Spencer. From the outset, she captivated audiences with her natural charm and emotive performances. Over the years, Amelia’s storylines became some of the most talked-about arcs in the village, encompassing heartbreak, triumph, and shocking twists. As Daisy grew up in front of the camera, viewers watched her transition from a bright-eyed child to a young woman navigating the trials of life in Emmerdale.

Amelia’s storylines were never for the faint of heart. The character endured tragic losses, including the death of Ruby in a helicopter accident, and faced complex family dynamics that kept viewers invested week after week. From discovering her true parentage to surviving a kidnap plot, Amelia’s life on the show was a rollercoaster of drama that tested her resilience and endeared her to fans.

The Final Chapter: Saying Goodbye

Last year, Daisy filmed her final episodes as Amelia, culminating in her character’s departure from the village. Amelia leaves behind a life marked by love and hardship after realizing the truth about Tom King and choosing to start anew with her young daughter, Esther. Speaking candidly about her exit, Daisy admitted to Metro that the experience was bittersweet.

“It’s mixed emotions really,” she revealed. “It’s been such a tough year and I’ve had to deal with so much, but I was at peace when leaving because I’ve grieved. I’m not only grieving for myself. It’s a character that I’ve always played. This is my first ever job from being seven. So, it felt really sad, but then it was nice to close the door and be at peace because I’ve just allowed it to play out as it has this year.”

Even as she processed her farewell, Daisy acknowledged the profound impact of losing the character she had portrayed for more than a decade. “It’s really upsetting because it’s all I’ve ever known,” she admitted, reflecting on the deep connection she had formed with both the role and the show’s audience.

A Gut Feeling That Became Reality

Looking back, Daisy admits she had an inkling that her time on the show might be coming to an end. Her on-screen father, Dan Spencer, played by Liam Fox, left Emmerdale a year prior, and Daisy says she sensed that change was coming.

“When it’s been ripped away from you, because that’s what it genuinely felt like,” she said, “you do get into a bit of a hole of, ‘Oh god, can I do this?’ It was weird because it was so abrupt.”

The confirmation of her exit, she explains, was sudden and difficult to process. With a new producer in place and no contract renewal forthcoming, Daisy was forced to confront the reality that her world was about to change. “It was at the beginning of the year. Things were quiet. Obviously, we had the new producer come in and then when it came to contracts, nothing came through. So, I was like, ‘Oh.’ And then obviously it happened.”

The Emotional Toll of Departure

Leaving Emmerdale was more than a career transition; it was an emotional upheaval. Daisy confesses that she found herself in a “dark hole” following her departure, struggling with the abrupt loss of a role that had defined her childhood and adolescence. The experience underscores the intense pressure young actors often face when navigating life in long-running soaps, where personal and professional identities become deeply intertwined.

Amelia’s storylines over the years mirrored real-life challenges that Daisy herself faced, from grappling with grief and loss to navigating complicated family relationships. From her tumultuous one-night stand with Samson Dingle to her relationship with Noah Dingle, who helps raise her daughter Esther, Amelia’s journey was rife with drama and emotional depth. Further challenges, such as a stalking scandal that ultimately led to her father’s imprisonment, cemented Amelia as one of the village’s most compelling characters.

Life After Emmerdale

Since leaving Emmerdale, Daisy has begun to chart a new path both on and off-screen. She recently appeared in an episode of Casualty, signaling her continued dedication to acting. However, Daisy has also discovered a passion outside of television: fitness and lifestyle entrepreneurship.

Earlier this year, she announced the opening of her very first Pilates studio, a venture that has become a source of pride and personal growth. “At the beginning of this year, I had so much anxiety after losing my job last winter and really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” she shared on Instagram. “I always knew I wanted to run my own business one day, but didn’t know exactly where to begin.”

Through focus, determination, and a Level 3 mat and reformer Pilates course completed over the spring, Daisy has turned uncertainty into opportunity. “I realized that I want to help people with lifestyle and fitness, especially through Pilates. I want to create a new community for so many people out there. Oh, this has been the hardest secret to keep this year. I am so proud of myself. I’ve pushed myself in so many ways, in ways I never could have imagined.”

Looking Ahead

For Daisy, leaving Emmerdale represents both an ending and a beginning. While the dark hole she once felt was a testament to the depth of her connection to Amelia, it also marked the start of a journey toward independence, personal growth, and new opportunities. Fans who have followed her for more than a decade will undoubtedly continue to support her as she navigates this new chapter, both as an actress and as an entrepreneur.

Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the unique challenges faced by young performers in long-running series: the delicate balance between professional growth, personal identity, and the emotional investment required when a role becomes a defining part of one’s life.

A Legacy in the Village

Amelia Spencer’s legacy in Emmerdale is secure. From her early heartbreaks to her complex family dynamics, her adventures in the village have left an indelible mark on the show’s narrative. And while Daisy’s departure may have left fans mourning the loss of a familiar face, it has also opened the door for fresh storytelling and the introduction of new characters who will continue to shape the drama of the Yorkshire village.

Ultimately, Daisy’s candid reflections on her time on Emmerdale, her struggles in the aftermath, and her embrace of new opportunities illustrate the resilience and adaptability of young actors navigating the pressures of life in the spotlight. Her journey is as compelling as any storyline she portrayed on-screen—full of triumph, heartbreak, and the promise of exciting new chapters yet to come.