Michelle Keegan is "gutted" that Tina McIntyer - her Coronation Street character is to be killed off.
The brunette beauty decided to quit her role of Tina McIntyre after six years on the soap, but she admits she had hoped for a happier ending for her alter-ego, who is set to be murdered mid-year in a whodunnit plot.
She told OK! magazine: "I was gutted to find out, but I was gutted for Tina more than anything because I always thought she was one of those characters that could come back in the future.
"She's got no family and I thought a relative could come in for her because she's not had a very good life. Her dad died, she hasn't had much luck with men - and then her life is over."
Michelle, 26, was particularly shocked to learn of her character's fate as she was initially told the door would be left open for her to return in the future.
She said: "The producers said,'That's fine, we'll leave the door open' and then told me they were killing Tina off, which surprised me a bit.
"Initially, I think they were going to leave the door open then they had a big story conference and this amazing plot came up that was too hard to pass. Looking at it now, I'd rather go out with a bang than off in a black cab. 'Corrie' is brilliant so I know I will enjoy this as an actress."
However, Michelle insists she isn't upset by the producers' change of heart because it's given her complete closure.
She said: "I am totally fine with it as the writing will be amazing and I work with so many talented people.
"I also would have always been asked that question, 'Are you going to go back to 'Corrie' in the future?' So it's ruled a line under that."
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