The star, who announced yesterday that she was moving on after more than a decade on the show, also said she wanted to try other roles before it was too late.

In an interview with Hello! magazine, she said: “I would be lying if I said it doesn’t have a huge impact on the family.”

Talking about her decision to quit as ward sister Chrissie Williams in the BBC1 show, she said: “I didn’t become an actress to play just one role. It’s time to hang up my scrubs and go out and there and give it my all.

“I feel I have to take that leap of faith and see what else is out there,” added the 42-year-old who has children Olivia, five, Orson, three, and Isabella, 14.