Emmerdale's Marsdens axed

Emmerdale family the Marsdens have been axed after just six months, it was announced today.

Trucker Ronnie Marsden, his wife Frances and children Paul, Alistair and Elaine arrived in the Yorkshire Dales in May.

Ronnie was soon at the centre of a steamy storyline when he embarked on an affair with Woolpack landlady Louise.

But bosses at the ITV soap have decided to give the family their marching orders.

Only Paul and his wife Siobhan have survived the cull, which will see the family written out in December.

Their final storyline will involve Ronnie (Ray Ashcroft) cheating on his wife (Sandy Walsh) yet again - this time with devastating consequences.

They will leave Emmerdale along with twins Alistair and Elaine, played by Danny Tennant and Samantha McCarthy.

Producer Steve Frost said: "The Marsdens have got a great story to play through the autumn, but unfortunately this culminates in them leaving the village.

"However, Paul and Siobhan Marsden will be staying on and the young couple have got some trying times ahead."

The move spells disappointment for Ashcroft, who previously played Detective Sergeant Geoff Daly in The Bill.

The Sheffield-born actor was axed from the police show in 2001 after five years and was delighted to land the Emmerdale role.

He said in May: "I feel very lucky to have another regular role in a high-profile show, especially one that's so close to my home up North. And I've got a good feeling about Ronnie. I hope he's going to stick around for a long while."