Rakie Ayola Drops Out of Soap Because of Pregnancy

Dan Kitwood/Getty

As she prepares for the arrival of her second child, Rakie Ayola has made the difficult decision to step away from her role on the UK soap Holby City. "It’s strange but sad at the same time," Rakie explains. "I’ve had a great time and I’ll miss it." The 39-year-old actress, who plays Kyla Tyson on the show, was quick to stress that she made the decision "purely" because of her pregnancy. "I wasn’t really ready to put down the character of Kyla…I’m very sorry to have to let her go," Rakie said.

"I’m having a baby and have become involved in a lot of charity work lately, so that’s keeping me busy — but it’s difficult to look for work when you’re pregnant!"

Baby-on-the-way will join big sister Tansy, 4, at home; Rakie and her husband Adam Smethurst have been married since 2004.

Source: Digital Spy