Stella 'will leave with a bang!'

Michelle Collins has decided to leave Coronation Street in 2014, after two and a half years playing Rovers Return Landlady Stella Price.

Scriptwriters are currently working on a memorable and dramatic departure for the character which no doubt will devastate her daughters Leanne and Eva, played by Jane Danson and Catherine Tyldesley.

Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn said: “When an actor decides to leave a programme like Corrie, it means the writing team can creatively scale new heights. We promise the tour de force that is Stella Price will leave with a bang.”

Michelle joined the cobbles in April 2011, making her first appearance in June of that year. She’ll leave the programme at the end of her current contract, which runs until April 2014, and will be on screen until June 2014.

We promise the tour de force that is Stella Price will leave with a bang

Michelle Collins said: “Stella Price has been a revelation to play.”

“So much has happened to the character since we discovered she was Leanne’s real Mum. From catching Karl with barmaid Sunita to her near death experience in the Rovers fire, I’ve loved playing Stella and will be very sorry to leave her behind."

Stuart Blackburn added: “We wish Michelle every happiness as she moves on to pastures new.”

“Her character has made a tremendous impact and has deservedly earned her the status of a classic Coronation Street matriarch."