ACTRESS Amy Nuttall is leaving the hit soap Emmerdale, but denied rumours she was quitting to embark on a singing career.

But the 22-year-old star, who plays nanny Chloe Atkinson, will spend the next few weeks looking at her options.

National newspapers have reported that Amy is working towards a record deal. Her family, however, say she is ready for a break, after which she will weigh up other career options - possibly including film appearances.

Her mother Elaine said: "She has had a lovely time in Emmerdale. She is not leaving for a singing career and does not know what she wants to do next.

"Every newspaper is saying that she is leaving for a singing career but that is not happening at this stage."

Amy, who grew up in Lostock and attended Bury Grammar School, began her showbiz career as a singer, landing the lead role of Christine in Andrew LLoyd Webber's Phantom of The Opera at the age of 17.

She is the youngest leading lady ever to perform in one of the famed composer's musicals.

Mrs Nuttall said: "Amy told me that she has achieved her ambitions of being in a lead role in a major musical and in a top soap. Let's hope her career continues in that vein.

"She often says to me: 'Mum, I want to do it all,' and is still very ambitious.

"Amy would love to do film, she loves to sing, and is determined to go far and achieve her goals.

"Obviously there have been offers for various things, but nothing is set in stone yet."

Asked about Amy's acclaimed singing talent, Mrs Nuttall said: "Amy is a beautiful singer - quite a knockout.

"Her grounding is originally in singing as her first job was on Phantom of The Opera for two years.

"But whatever she chooses to do next she will do well. I think she is just ready for a change, and I will support her in anything she does because she will be fabulous at whatever she chooses to do." In an interview with the Bolton Evening News earlier this year, Amy said she was likely to stay with the soap, but added: "My first love is the stage and it was all I ever wanted to do."

She spoke out following a musical show at Bolton's Albert Halls, where a Bolton Evening News reviewer was blown away by Amy's vocal talents.

Kathryn Eccles wrote: "After hearing her amazing voice at The Albert Halls, most would agree that her talents are currently wasted in Emmerdale."

Amy recently sang in front of 30,000 people at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium for the start of the Vodaphone Cup.