Kym Marsh exit 'prompts Corrie rewrites'

Kym Marsh's early maternity leave has forced Coronation Street writers to make a series of urgent rewrites, according to a report.

It was confirmed last week that Marsh is to leave the ITV soap earlier than originally planned, in order to ensure that she is not under any stress during her pregnancy. However, The Sun claims that plans for Michelle Connor to embark on an affair with newcomer Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) have now been scrapped.

Frank will apparently now become involved with Maria Connor (Samia Smith), when Michelle makes her unexpected departure. The changes will see Carla (Alison King) convince Maria to quit her job at Audrey's salon and become her personal assistant.

The paper also alleges that a number of changes will be made at the Underworld factory. Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) will reportedly find herself promoted to supervisor, while Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) will join the staff, replacing Janice Battersby when she quits the Street.

An insider: "It's a massive shake-up and it opens up lots of ideas for exciting new plots."

> Kym Marsh 'thankful to Corrie team'