Hey! I was awaiting responses to your question and tbh am very surprised that no one has, given that Mercedes was a very popular girl and understandably so. I have not seen her for a long time, but have heard (unconfirmed) that she had met a guy whom she was serious about, was always going to consider going indie (but I've not seen any profile that might be her) and also that she might be reducing her hours in NTS possibly to just 1 day p wk. Those I’ve spoken to at NTS do not know if she’s left, will be coming back or have any info. Sorry, I know this is not at all definitive, however, in the absence of any other input, this is what I can contribute. From past experience, Ellie and Natalie were very good imho. Cheers!