Coronation Street star Paula Lane is leaving the ITV soap, having played trouble magnet Kylie Platt since 2010.
The 29-year-old said she would not return to the show after she takes maternity leave in June. Lane is expecting her second child.
The writers are working on a "dramatic exit" for Lane's character, who killed ex-boyfriend Callum Logan in the Coronation Street live episode in September.
The events of last September will come back to haunt Kylie and David (Jack P Shepherd)
Lane admitted that her decision to leave Coronation Street had not been an easy one but that she had to follow her heart.
So it's official, I can now confirm I'm leaving Coronation Street this summer after a wonderful 5 years. It's time to fly the nest...
— Paula_Lane (@lane_paula) February 9, 2016
"I have enjoyed every moment of my time on Coronation Street and learnt so much in the process," she said.
"I have an amazing on-screen family who have become friends for life, so this decision was not taken lightly."
Lane as Kylie - One of the modernCorrie greats
The soap's producer, Stuart Blackburn, described Lane as "one of the most talented and dedicated actors" he had worked with and said she had created an unforgettable character in Kylie.
"I for one will miss both the character and the actor and on behalf of all at Coronation Street wish Paula all the love and luck in the world, and I'm certain that Paula's future will be full of continued success," he added.
