It has been confirmed that Bhavna Limbachia, who plays Rana Habeeb in Coronation Street, will be leaving the ITV soap later this year, with speculation mounting that the character will be killed off.
Digital Spy and Metro in the UK both report that a spokesperson for Coronation Street said: "Bhavna Limbachia will be leaving Coronation Street later this year; she made the decision last year and spoke to producer Iain MacLeod when he joined the show about her plans to leave."
"She has been fully involved in the discussions about Rana's leaving story, the details of which we are hoping to keep under wraps for the viewers," the spokesperson continued. "Bhavna is a talented actress and we wish her every success for the future."
Limbachia also shared her news with fans on Twitter.
Following media reports this morning I just wanted to send you all a message @itvcorrie ♥️🙏🏽🌈 pic.twitter.com/Toa2pCFo7h
— Bhavna Limbachia (@BhavnaLimbachia) January 23, 2019
Warning: spoiler alert!
Earlier, The Sun had claimed that Rana would be killed off on her wedding day to Kate Connor (played by Faye Brookes).
"This will devastate fans of the show who have grown to love Kate and Rana, who they nicknamed 'Kana'," a source told the tabloid.
"This was very much Bhavna's decision; she told [former Coronation Street boss] Kate Oates last year she wanted to try other things, and sat down with Iain the minute he joined.
"She wanted Rana to be killed off as she didn't like the idea of just splitting them up as it would upset the fans of the show.
"The scenes will be heartbreaking to watch. Rana will die in Kate's arms."
Coronation Street airs on Virgin Media One and ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
