Catherine Tyldesley has quit 'Coronation Street'.
Catherine Tyldesley
The 34-year-old actress has decided to bow out of the long-running soap as Eva Price - a part she's played since 2011 - in order to pursue other acting roles, but fans don't have to shed a tear just yet as her departure won't air until next summer.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, she said: "'Coronation Street' has been a dream job for me which is why this was such a difficult decision to leave.
"Eva has been such fun to play over the last seven years, and who knows, one day she might storm the cobbles of Weatherfield again. In the meantime I'm excited about the future, new acting projects, and spending time with my family."
It's not yet known how she will leave the programme but it's believed she and bosses have already decided how they want the ending to pan out.
A spokesperson for the show said: "We can confirm that Cath Tyldesley will leave 'Coronation Street' at the end of her current contract next year after seven years in the show. Cath's portrayal of Eva Price has made her a firm favourite amongst fans and she will be missed. The producers and writers are currently working on her exit storyline which be on screen in early summer."
Catherine - who has two-year-old son Alfie with her husband Tom Pitford - is the latest star to announce she's leaving the cobbled streets after Shayne Ward decided to turn his back on the programme as Aidan Connor earlier this week.
A source said recently: "Everybody wants Shayne leaving to be a huge part of the show next year. Bosses are working on it at the moment and have something really explosive planned for the character.
"Nobody will see this coming. Viewers are going to be absolutely stunned. It's going to be a blow for the fans -- but also a massive TV moment.
"Shayne has become one of Corrie's most popular actors.
"He's a huge hit with fans and has even won awards for his performances."
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