'Jodie Morton' quits Corrie

Cornation Street actress Samantha Seager has taken the decision to quit the ITV soap after just six months.

The 32-year-old – who plays family kebab shop worker and owner Jodie Morton – reportedly reached a "mutual" decision with show producer Steve Frost and will be written out at Christmas.

However, the rest of her on-screen family – Jerry (Michael Starke), Darryl (Jonathan Dixon), Mel (Emma Edmondson) and Kayleigh (Jessica Barden) and Grandad (Rodney Litchfield) - will remain on the Cobbles.

A source told The Sun: "It was really a mutual decision. Samantha has been working in the north for the past couple of years. She has a three-year-old daughter and wants to return to her home in London to spend more time with her family."

Samantha commented: "Working on Coronation Street has been an amazing experience but I have spent the last two years living away from my family.

She added: "After meeting with producer Steve Frost, we decided to rest Jodie's character so I can pursue projects closer to home.”

The Mortons moved onto the Street in March and have since caused havoc with neighbours Gail (Helen Worth) and Claire (Julia Haworth).

Earlier this year, Sean Gallagher - who played Paul Connor before being killed off - announced his decision to quit to pursue other roles after only five months with the show.

Tina O'Brien (Sarah-Louise Platt) will also bow out of the Manchester-based soap at the end of the year.