Donnaleigh Bailey to leave 'Doctors'

Doctors star Donnaleigh Bailey is to bow out from the BBC daytime soap later this year, it has been announced.

The actress, who has played senior practice nurse Michelle Corrigan since 2006, will leave the medical drama in the summer following a poignant final storyline for her character.

Speaking to DS, Doctors' series producer Peter Lloyd confirmed: "Donnaleigh has been with us for just over four years now and feels it's time to spread her wings and try something new in her career, which is understandable since she's been here virtually from drama school.

"She's got a great exit story which I'm very excited about which I think will be very popular with viewers."

Asked what the future holds for Michelle, he replied: "A huge challenge that's going to test her physically and mentally. It's heart-breaking and heart-warming and a radical life change for her, I can't wait for the viewers to see what happens in the summer because I'm really excited about what we're doing with her."

Although best known for her Doctors role, Bailey has previously had guest parts in Holby City and Crossroads.

> Click here to read our interview with Doctors' series producer Peter Lloyd