Top 'Corrie' actor quits soap

Keith Duffy has decided to leave Coronation Street after two-and-a-half years on the soap.

Duffy, who plays Rovers barman Ciaran McCarthy, says that the decision for his character to be written out was a mutual one between him and the show's producers. He will remain in the soap until the autumn.

The ex-Boyzone singer has turned down alternative acting offers, such as Showbands with Kerry Katona, because of his commitment to the soap. He now wants freedom to expand his acting range elsewhere.

He said: "I will be sad to say goodbye to the great friends that I have made on the cast and crew but am looking forward to spending more time with my family who have been incredibly supportive during my two-and-a-half years working in Manchester.

"I am very excited about the future and can't wait to get my teeth into some of the roles I have been offered."