Nikki Sanderson to quit Corrie

Nikki Sanderson is to quit Coronation Street later this year.

The actress - who plays sexy Candice Stowe - is set to walk the cobbles for one last time in the autumn, after six years in the ITV soap.

Her on-screen and real-life boyfriend, Danny Young (Warren Baldwin), was axed recently and rumours ensued that Nikki would soon follow suit. Bosses were quick to rubbish the claims, suggesting that she was 'having a ball' and had 'no intention of leaving the soap'.

Talking of her departure, she said: "I have had the most fantastic and memorable time here at Corrie. I made the decision to leave as it is time for me and Candice to leave the cobbles on a high.

"I am really sad to be going because I will miss everybody. I am excited about what the future holds and I'd like to thank everybody for the fantastic opportunities I have been given."

Executive producer Tony Wood commented: "Candice is a character with a great deal of ambition and we felt it was not believable that she would stay in Weatherfield forever.

"At the same time Nikki has indicated that she wants to try her hand at other projects - it therefore suits Coronation Street and Nikki for the character to be written out this autumn.

He added: "Nikki has been a real asset to the show and the writers have had great fun writing for Candice. We wish her all the best for the future."

Candice's exit storyline has not yet been confirmed.