Coronation Street star Paula Lane is to leave the show after six years playing troubled Kylie Platt.
The actress, who is pregnant with her second child, has revealed she will quit the soap when she takes maternity leave in June.
ITV said writers are working on her “dramatic exit”, which will focus on the climax of a storyline which saw Paula’s character murder villainous ex-boyfriend Callum Logan during a live episode last September.
Paula, 29, said: “This has not been an easy decision for me to make. I have enjoyed every moment of my time on Coronation Street and learnt so much in the process.
“I have an amazing on-screen family who have become friends for life, so this decision was not taken lightly.
“But sometimes you just have to follow your heart and I am excited about what the future has to offer both personally and professionally.”
Producer Stuart Blackburn said: “Paula is one of the most talented and dedicated actors I know and in Kylie she has created an unforgettable Corrie character.
“I for one will miss both the character and the actor and on behalf of all at Coronation Street wish Paula all the love and luck in the world and I’m certain that Paula’s future will be full of continued success.”
Paula is the latest in a string of stars to depart the famous cobbled street, including Alison King (Carla Connor), Eileen Derbyshire (Emily Bishop) and David Neilson (Roy Cropper)
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