Actress Katherine Kelly is set to leave 'Coronation Street' at the end of this year, ITV has announced.
According to a statement, the actress, who plays Becky McDonald in the show, will depart in an "explosive" storyline, which begins next month.
The statement from ITV said: "Viewers will see Becky go into meltdown when social services start investigating her 'purchase' of her sister's son Max."
"Believing Tracy Barlow has reported her to the authorities, Becky goes on the rampage - putting Tracy's life in jeopardy and risking the future of her marriage to Steve McDonald."
Kelly said of her departure: "It's been one of the hardest decisions of my life. I love 'Coronation Street' and everyone here."
"I have had the most blissful 5 years, I wouldn't change one moment of it - but it feels like the time is right to say goodbye to Becky."
'Coronation Street' producer Phil Collinson said: "Katherine is a talented actress who has made the character of Becky a firm favourite with the viewers for the past 5 years and we will miss her as an actress and a valued member of the 'Coronation Street' family."
"That said we totally respect her desire to move on and viewers can certainly look forward to an electrifying nine months of gripping storylines involving Becky McDonald as we head towards her departure from Weatherfield."
