By Maureen Coleman.

Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy is to quit the controversial teen soap later this summer, Sugahfix.com can reveal.

The Belfast actor, who is dating Dancing On Ice star Zoe Salmon, will leave the Channel 4 show after the character he plays - Kris Fisher - graduates from college.

Gerard is the third high profile male cast member to announce he is leaving in the last few weeks. He joins actors Chris Fountain (Justin Burton) and Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox), who have also confirmed their departure.

At the moment Gerard's bi-sexual, cross-dressing character Kris is at the centre of a saucy love triangle.

Speaking to Sugahfix.com, Gerard confirmed he would not be back in the fictional Hollyoaks village after the summer, but would not comment further.

It is understood he has a number of projects in the pipeline.
Gerard starred in a number of West End productions, including Mamma Mia and Saturday Night Fever, before joining Hollyoaks three years ago.

He has expressed an interest in the past in working again with West End choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

Meanwhile, local actor Glen Wallace, who plays Kris Fisher's Belfast brother Malachi, is to stay on. And a Belfast actress, Bronagh Waugh, is set to join Glen on the set in the next few weeks.