Post by sootycat on Apr 20, 2013 13:50:04 GMT
From DS Etc
Michelle Keegan has confirmed reports that she has quit Coronation Street.
The actress, who appeared on screens as feisty Tina McIntyre in 2008 and has been voted 'Sexiest Female' four times at the British Soap Awards, will leave next year after six years with the soap.
Keegan told itv.com: "I have had the most amazing six years at Coronation Street and it was such a difficult decision to leave. But I felt it was the right time for me to make the next step in my career.
"I will miss Tina and will always be grateful to ITV and Coronation Street for giving me such an amazing role to play for my first ever acting job. Most of all I will miss the amazing people who work on the show, my acting colleagues, cast, crew, producers and writing team. I have met people who I know will be friends for life.
"I am very excited about what the coming months hold for Tina and what the future has in store for me."
A busy time on screen for Tina begins next month when she gives birth early to the baby she is carrying for Izzy Armstrong and Gary Windass.
Producer Stuart Blackburn added: "There is more than a year of drama to come for Tina McIntyre before we bid farewell to Michelle and plans are already being made for what will be a powerful and gripping story.
"We will be sorry to see Michelle go but wish her every success for the future."
The 25-year-old was reportedly keen to leave when her contract expires in November, but show bosses persuaded her to stay another six months to May 2014.
A source from the soap told the newspaper: "This was her first proper acting job. She is really grateful for that, but feels the time's right to do something new."
Keegan has previously said she wants to explore more dramatic roles, saying: "I really want to do a period drama - something like The Tudors or Downton Abbey."
She'll have to ditch the fake tan if she wants roles like that !
Michelle Keegan has confirmed reports that she has quit Coronation Street.
The actress, who appeared on screens as feisty Tina McIntyre in 2008 and has been voted 'Sexiest Female' four times at the British Soap Awards, will leave next year after six years with the soap.
Keegan told itv.com: "I have had the most amazing six years at Coronation Street and it was such a difficult decision to leave. But I felt it was the right time for me to make the next step in my career.
"I will miss Tina and will always be grateful to ITV and Coronation Street for giving me such an amazing role to play for my first ever acting job. Most of all I will miss the amazing people who work on the show, my acting colleagues, cast, crew, producers and writing team. I have met people who I know will be friends for life.
"I am very excited about what the coming months hold for Tina and what the future has in store for me."
A busy time on screen for Tina begins next month when she gives birth early to the baby she is carrying for Izzy Armstrong and Gary Windass.
Producer Stuart Blackburn added: "There is more than a year of drama to come for Tina McIntyre before we bid farewell to Michelle and plans are already being made for what will be a powerful and gripping story.
"We will be sorry to see Michelle go but wish her every success for the future."
The 25-year-old was reportedly keen to leave when her contract expires in November, but show bosses persuaded her to stay another six months to May 2014.
A source from the soap told the newspaper: "This was her first proper acting job. She is really grateful for that, but feels the time's right to do something new."
Keegan has previously said she wants to explore more dramatic roles, saying: "I really want to do a period drama - something like The Tudors or Downton Abbey."
She'll have to ditch the fake tan if she wants roles like that !
