We’ve only just got him back on Emmerdale, but Rik Makarem has revealed he’s off again just as quick, as he’s planning to spend this year focusing on launching his music career.

The actor was on This Morning today speaking about his current storyline, which sees him tied up in a war with on-screen brother Jai over their relationships with Leyla.

“It took some time, about a couple of months, to consider whether it was the right choice. When stepping back into old shoes you want to add something to it, put more layers into the mix,” Rik said about his return.

“With [producer] Kate Oates’s vision at the time it sounded very appealing and I think it’s a bit of a victory to go back and reignite the character.”

The actor continued: “I did propose to Kate at the time that it was the right thing to do a short stint in the show.”

Now Rik’s focus is going to be on getting his music out there and heard by the right people.

“That was part of my decision for not staying on a more permanent basis with the show,” he explained.

“2016 really has to be the year the music and the songs I’m writing [take focus], I need to get them in front of the right A&R people.”

Watch the video now to hear more from Rik about his decision, and more about the Nikhil/Jai/Leyla plot.

Emmerdale is on STV every weeknight.