Bailey: 'Hard decision to leave Doctors'

Donnaleigh Bailey has revealed why she decided to quit Doctors after playing Michelle Corrigan for four years.

Doctors' series producer Peter Lloyd confirmed to DS in June that the actress would bow out in a poignant storyline.

Bailey told What's On TV: "It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but I'd reached a point in my life and my career where I just wanted to embrace new things.

"It was hard because I'd got this job straight out of drama school, but I thought I should start to take some risks while I'm still young enough."

She admitted that the nurse had had a bumpy few years in the fictional Birmingham suburb of Letherbridge, but Michelle's decision to leave was the right one.

"100 per cent [it was right]! I really wanted to see Michelle grow up and stop being selfish," she said. "Michelle often acts without thinking, but there's no room for error in what she's doing now, she has to think before she acts. It's a great exit!"

She added: "It's been a bumpy journey sometimes with all her ups and down, but she's been a great character to play."

Bailey's final scenes in the BBC daytime soap will air next Friday, August 13.