Miss Marple actress to leave show

Geraldine McEwan has starred in 12 Miss Marple films

Miss Marple star Geraldine McEwan has announced she is leaving the ITV crime drama, after more than three years playing the amateur detective.

The 75-year-old actress joined the show, based on Agatha Christie's crime novels, in 2003.

"It has been a marvellous experience to inhabit this role for the last few years," she said.

McEwan was the sixth actress to portray the character. Producers are now looking for her successor.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to work on Miss Marple since 2003, and I leave with fond memories." said McEwan.

Since making her debut as Miss Marple in The Body In The Library, McEwan has made 12 more films. Two of them will be broadcast later this year.

Other actresses who have also played Miss Marple include Gracie Fields, Margaret Rutherford, Angela Lansbury and Helen Hayes.

Joan Hickson was perhaps the best known, playing the character on the BBC from 1984 to 1992.

ITV director of drama Laura Mackie said: "It's sad that she feels it is time to hang up her knitting needles, but we are very excited about working on the latest chapter in this timeless set of mystery stories."