Kym Marsh 'thankful to Corrie team'

Kym Marsh has thanked Coronation Street bosses for allowing her take early maternity leave.

It was revealed last week that the actress, who plays Michelle Connor in the ITV soap, was to depart from screens earlier than planned. Writing in her New! magazine column, Marsh confirmed that she had asked for the extended break.

"One of the papers reported that I was being tested for swine flu after falling ill last week," she wrote. "Because of what happened with my last pregnancy, I'm taking extra care of myself, so as I wasn't feeling 100%, I made sure I got checked out.

"I've taken early maternity leave from work and I'm really thankful to all the Corrie team, who have been amazingly understanding and supportive."

Marsh also expressed her delight at news that Charlie Condou is reprising his role as Marcus Dent in the Manchester drama.

"I'm really pleased that Charlie Condou - who played Sean's boyfriend Marcus in Corrie a few years back - is returning to the Street," she said. "He is a fab actor and will be a welcome addition to the cast when he returns in March. Work aside, I absolutely love him - we always had lots of fun together."