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Katherine Kelly set to leave Coronation Street

Katherine Kelly, who plays feisty Becky McDonald, is to leave Coronation Street at the end of this year, in an explosive storyline which will kick off this May.

Becky will on our screens up until early 2012, with dramatic scenes planned for the remainder of her time on the Street.

Katherine said:

"It's been one of the hardest decisions of my life. I love Coronation Street and everyone here.

"I have had the most blissful 5 years, I wouldn't change one moment of it - but it feels like the time is right to say goodbye to Becky."

Next month will see Becky go into meltdown, when social services start investigating the 'purchase' of her sister Kylie's son, Max.

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She goes on the rampage, after believing it was Tracy Barlow that reported her to the authorities.

Kelly joined the show back in February 2006 as jailbird Becky Granger, turning her life around with the help of Roy and Hayley Cropper.

Coronation Street Producer, Phil Collinson, said of the actress' departure:

"Katherine is a talented actress who has made the character of Becky a firm favourite with the viewers for the past 5 years and we will miss her as an actress and a valued member of the Coronation Street family.

"Viewers can certainly look forward to an electrifying 9 months of gripping storylines involving Becky McDonald as we head towards her departure from Weatherfield."

Catch Becky's last scenes Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings on ITV1.