Faye Brookes has quit 'Coronation Street'.
Faye Brookes
The 31-year-old actress will depart her role as Kate Connor, who she has played for four years, because she says the character "needs a break for a little while", and the star is looking forward to "exploring new opportunities".
She tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for your amazing support, but after 4 fabulous years in Weatherfield it's time for me to explore new opportunities, I've loved playing Kate Connor, but she needs a break for a little while and so with a song in my heart I'm off to pastures new. (sic)"
Faye's decision comes just two months after her on-screen fiancée Rana Habeeb, played by Bhavna Limbachia, was killed off in a tragic factory roof collapse storyline on her and Kate's wedding day.
But just this week, Faye admitted she would never get "bored" of being on 'Corrie' because of all the constant plot twists.
She said: "It would be nice to see her happy, but I honestly don't believe she'll ever be the same again.
"She's on edge and I don't know where that could go. Anything could happen and I love that about my job - it keeps you on your toes.
"I don't know how anybody could get bored here at 'Corrie'. But I do hope she finds some sort of happiness."
Following Rana's death, Faye admitted the character's final scenes were the "hardest thing" she has ever filmed.
She said: "Rana's death was the hardest thing I've ever had to film and emotionally I ran myself into the ground with it."
Shortly before Rana's death was confirmed on screen, Faye's real-life fiance Gareth Gates accidentally let slip that she was going to die.
He said afterwards: "It was a complete accident. We were out having some drinks when it aired and I lost track of time and thought it had already played out on screen. I felt terrible."
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