Michelle Keegan has opened up about her surrogacy story on Coronation Street and why she chose to leave.
The 25-year-old actress spoke to The Sun about the Corrie storyline, which is set to come to a head this week when Tina (Keegan) gives birth prematurely to a baby boy, a child she is carrying as a surrogate mother for Izzy (Cherylee Houston) and Gary (Mikey North).
"I was holding one of the twins [Layton and Harley play the baby character, Jake] on set the other day and I couldn't stop him crying," Keegan said.
"I suddenly thought: 'Oh my God, this is what it's going to be like'," she continued.
"I have always been quite broody, but now I've realised I want to wait a bit longer before I start a family."
"Layton and Harley are so cute, but it's good to be able to hand them back to their mum."
Talking about the sensitivity of the storyline, which sees Tina's motherly instincts kick in when she gives birth, Keegan explained: "I did a lot of research into the area and I've learned a lot about why people want to be surrogate mums."
"At first, I couldn't understand why they would. It's been really interesting," she said.
Keegan announced her departure from the soap last month and explained the reason behind her decision: "This was my first acting job and it really feels like the right time for me to go and try something different."
"I've had the most amazing time. I know I'll really miss everybody," she said.
"In the meantime, there's still a long way to go for Tina and, right now, that's what I have to concentrate on. I am looking forward to everything that's coming up and excited about what Tina's exit storyline will be."
