Keith Duffy announces Corrie departure

Keith Duffy has reportedly announced that he will be quitting Coronation Street later this year.

The Boyzone star said that his decision not to renew his contract in November was a "hard choice" and came despite pleas from producers to stay.

According to The People, Duffy, who plays the Rovers' Ciaran McCarthy, said that he needs to concentrate on his music commitments.

Brother, the boyband's first album since Stephen Gately's death last year, went to number one in the UK charts last Sunday and a tour and promotional work in South East Asia has been lined up for 2011.

Duffy, 35, said that he has made friends on the Weatherfield soap and will be sad to leave, but added: "I need to concentrate on being with the boys. We've got a lot coming up so I've decided they'll take priority. I love the show so it's been a hard decision. But I know it’s right."

He earlier revealed that Coronation Street proved a much-needed focus following Gately's death.

Duffy rejoined the cast in January this year after an earlier two-and-a-half year stint on the ITV1 show.