Kate Ford to quit Corrie in the spring

After months of speculation, Coronation Street's Kate Ford has finally announced that she is to quit the show next year.

The actress, who plays the venomous Tracy Barlow, is to leave the show in the spring to pursue other projects, despite being offered a big money deal to stay with the ITV soap.

Talking of her decision to leave, she told The Sun: "It has been the best time of my life, playing Tracy Barlow. I cannot wait to see what the writers have got in store for her.”

Producer Steve Frost confirmed that Tracy would not be killed off in her exit. “Kate will be involved in a major storyline which will see her leave next spring," he said. "Kate is a great asset. Her character Tracy has left the cobbles before and we hope she’ll return one day.”