Theresa McQueen says goodbye to Hollyoaks as Jorgie Porter leaves Channel 4 soap

Hollyoaks favourite Theresa McQueen has left the Chester-set soap in a taxi to begin a new life in Spain.

The door has been left open for the popular character, played by Jorgie Porter, to one day return to the teen series.

Fans had expressed concern that the petite blonde would be killed off in Thursday's episode.

But instead, Theresa embraced friends and family and, after one momentary lapse of concentration which saw her almost depart without daughter Myra-Pocahontas, she left Hollyoaks to the strains of Goodbye by the Spice Girls.

On the subject of her exit, Porter hailed the "fantastic actors and directors" she has worked with on the Channel 4 programme.

"I have loved playing Theresa McQueen and am so sad to leave Hollyoaks, but I have hugely enjoyed my exit plot," she said.

"When I look back, the crew and staff at Hollyoaks have had such a major part in my life from youth to young adulthood and I will miss working with everyone.

She added: "Being on the show has led to me working with fantastic actors and directors and making friends for life. I laughed every single day on set."

Porter was 20 when Theresa Mariah Magdalene McQueen made her first appearance in Hollyoaks on November 24 2008.

In those seven-and-a-half years, Theresa has featured in numerous high-profile storylines.

Fans will recall the murder of Calvin Valentine (portrayed by actor Ricky Whittle, who has since made a successful transition to Hollywood), the teenage pregnancy and the plotline in which Theresa was the target of a serial killer.

She was also involved in a breakout from prison.

Among Theresa's memorable relationships are liaisons with Dodger Savage (Danny Mac), Will Savage (James Atherton), Joel Dexter (Andrew Still) and Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield).

Hollyoaks' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "Theresa McQueen will always have a special place in my heart and those of the audience.

"Jorgie made Theresa a pocket-sized soap icon and a ball of energy on set, I know that she will go on to do great things and the cast and crew will miss her greatly."

Mancunian Porter was recently seen in ITV's popular I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015.

She finished in fifth place.

Reports suggest Porter will follow Whittle across the Atlantic and pursue a career in Hollywood.

:: Hollyoaks is broadcast on Channel 4 weeknights at 6.30pm, with a first look on E4 weeknights at 7pm.