Fans of hit ITV soap Coronation Street were left in turmoil last week, when it was confirmed that popular actress Kym Marsh had decided to quit the soap after 13 years.
Kym, who plays the role of Michelle Connor, said at the time that she wants to "explore other roles", but now the actress has revealed the real reason behind her decision.
Speaking to OK! Magazine to shut down rumours that she could be appearing on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity, Kym told the publication she wants to spend time with her first grandchild, who is expected to arrive later in the year.
She said, “Another big factor in my decision to take a break from Corrie is the impending arrival of my grandson. I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with him and Emilie after he’s born this summer.
“Other actresses from the show have gone on to do other incredible acting work, so who knows! It’s scary but I’m also really excited about what the future holds.”
Kym first revealed her 21-year-old daughter was pregnant back in November, and since then the actress has kept fans up to date with her daughter's pregnancy.
In December, Kym hosted a gender reveal party for her daughter Emilie and her boyfriend, where they let of a confetti cannon filled with blue confetti.
Meanwhile, despite her decision to leave Coronation Street, Kym has assured fans that she will be back one day.
She said, "When I was lucky enough to be offered four episodes I could never in my wildest dreams have thought I'd be here 13 years later. It's been an incredibly difficult decision but it feels like the right time for me to explore some other roles.
"But this isn't the last you’ve heard of Michelle Connor – she'll be back! I can't wait to see what the writers have in store for the future."
Check out all of this week's Corrie spoilers:
Coronation Street spoilers: week 10
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Holed up with Clayton in the abandoned warehouse, Shona manages to talk him down, and kicks the knife away from him.
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When she manages to get free, she staggers out of the building to be faced with a wall of armed officers. Panicking, she runs back inside.
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Outside, David and the Police wait for what feels like an age, before Shona staggers once more from the building – covered in blood.
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Collapsing to the ground in David arms, Shona and Clayton are quickly rushed to A&E. Will they make it?
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Struggling to look after the kids on her own, Sarah is terrified when she realises that Max is no longer with the group.
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But before she has time to really panic, Seb arrives with Max in tow. Sarah is profusely grateful.
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The next day is Seb's 18th birthday, but he's convinced everyone has forgotten. With Sarah and Gary arguing, Seb is thrilled when Sarah tells him to come over later for his birthday surprise.
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Arriving at Number 8, Seb finds the door has been left open, and comes across a note that reads, "In the bath, waiting for you!"
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Seb can't believe his luck, but when Sarah comes downstairs in a towel to find Seb in the house, things don't go quite to plan.
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Seb arrives at the Rovers to a surprise party, but Sarah has let slip that Gary is paying the foreign builders more than he's paying him.
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When Gary arrives at the party, Seb can't contain his frustration, squaring up to Gary.
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A scuffle ensues, leading to Seb losing his job. Faye tries to convince Gary to give Seb his job back, but Gary has already hired a new builder called Jan.
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Later on, Carla demands that Gary fix her roof at as little cost as possible, but he reiterates she'll need the whole roof replacing.
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Gary tells Carla that he's hired Jan to help him repair the factory roof, but Carla is not budging.
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Later on, Seb is unimpressed when Jan tried to chat up Eileen.
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Lolly has lots of ideas about Kate and Rana's wedding, and calls in at the bistro with a whole folder.
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Rana feels left out when she finds Lolly and and Kate tipsily pouring over wedding ideas and tells Ayla she's bothered by Lolly's interfering.
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Ali and Ryan are instantly smitted with each other, but Ali tells Ryan that he's bored of working in the Bistro, and is going to return to the medical profession.
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Michelle assures Robert that she still wants a baby as much as he does. Later on, she has some news for him – that she thinks she might be pregnant.
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Vicky has been begging Robert to give Tyler his job back, and Robert is torn. In the end he says he can't hire Tyler back, but he has sorted him out with work at a friend's cafe in Macclesfield.
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He also confides in Billy that he wants to set up a scheme to train up ex offenders to reintegrate them into society.
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Geoff suggests to Yasmeen that they have a night out on the town, and he'll stay over afterward.
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Yasmeen agrees, but deep down doesn't feel comfortable about having a man to stay.
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When Geoff turns up at Yasmeen's place for their date, he's got flowers and goes in for a passionate hug.
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But Yasmeen is clearly uncomfortable, and dodges Geoff's advances before making her excuses and leaving.
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Chesney and Gemma are on cloud nine, especially when, after receiving his son's blessing, Chesney invites Gemma to live with them full time.
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Gemma is looking forward to a life of domesticated bliss, and plans to tidy and cook dinner while Chesney is out at work.
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But it quickly becomes clear that Gemma is all talk and no action, and Chesney grows irritated by her laziness.
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With the barber shop up and running, Nick is enjoying flirting with a female customer who comes in, but when he realises she is Rachel, the owner of a rival salon, he feels stupid.
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Rachel explains curtly that her intention is to put him out of business as soon as possible. During their big opening events, it soon becomes clear she meant every word.
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James arrives at Tyrone's place with Cerberus, but explains that he got separated from Evelyn and has no idea where she is.
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The two of them set to work ringing around all the hospitals in the area to try and find Evelyn. Where could she be?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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