Tina O'Brien quits 'Coronation Street'

Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien is to bow out of the Weatherfield soap at the end of her current contract, it was announced today.

The 23-year-old actress, who has played young mum Sarah-Louise Platt for seven-and-a-half years, made the decision to leave in order to pursue other projects.

Her contract, which expires in August, sees her on screen until Christmas and script writers are currently working on a dramatic exit for the character - with the door thought to be left open for a possible return.

Speaking of her decision, Tina said: "This has been an extremely difficult decision to make. I love playing Sarah and have had an amazing seven-and-a-half years in Coronation Street. But I feel that the time has come to see what else is out there for me as an actress.

"I have had some fantastic storylines in the show and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with the fantastic actors, producers, writers, storyliners, directors and crew involved in making Coronation Street."

She added: "I will really miss everyone but am excited about what the future holds."

Corrie Producer Steve Frost commented: "Tina is a fabulous actress and we will be sorry to see her go. However, we fully understand her ambition and desire to play other roles.

"She will be on screen for a further nine months which will give us time to play out a dramatic and fitting departure storyline for such a great character."