Laurel was released (Pictures: ITV)

Colin Hamston (Mark Noble) has departed Emmerdale after finally deciding to release Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), who was kidnapped this week.

Colin is the father of Marshall (Max Fletcher) and has been unable to accept his son ever since he came out as gay. Colin physically and emotionally abused Marshall while he was under his care and has been spiralling ever since the teen made the decision to move into Laurel and Jai’s (Chris Bisson).