Kym Marsh announces Coronation Street exit after 13 years

Kym Marsh has announced she is leaving ITV's Coronation Street after 13 years, saying it felt like the "right time for me to take a break".

The actress, who has played Michelle Connor in the ITV soap since 2006, said she would be exploring other roles, although has not ruled out a possible return in the future.

The 42-year-old first found fame as a singer in Popstars winning group Hear'Say, but went on to achieve greater success in the soap.

The show's executive producer, John Whiston, said Marsh had done a "fantastic job" as the character, adding that she had brought "incredible heart and humanity to some hugely important stories".

During her time on the programme, Kym Marsh's storylines have included Michelle's romance with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), discovering her son had been swapped at birth and delivering a stillborn child.

She was also shot on her wedding day to Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill) by villain Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre).