Marsh: 'I won't be flagship Corrie star'

Kym Marsh has laughed off claims that she is being groomed as Coronation Street's new flagship star.

Last month, a tabloid report suggested that Marsh's alter ego Michelle Connor would soon become the most prominent character in the show after producer Phil Collinson handed the actress a new two-year deal.

However, speaking to RTE, Marsh insisted: "I did read that and I just laughed. The show is so much bigger than one person and that can't possibly be true.

"Maybe [Phil] has some ideas for my character, I don't know, but he certainly won't be thinking, 'How can I make Kym the biggest star of the show?' I wish he was!"

Since Collinson took the helm of the Weatherfield soap earlier this year, a number of cast departures have been announced, including the forthcoming exits of Julia Haworth and Steven Arnold (Claire and Ashley Peacock).

Reflecting on the shake-up, Marsh commented: "We're obviously sad at seeing Steven and Julia go, but I think that was very much a joint decision. I don't think anyone was particularly surprised. But the show won't be the same without Ashley!"