Tina O'Brien quits Corrie

Actress Tina O'Brien is quitting Coronation Street after nearly eight years on the popular soap.

The 23-year-old who plays single mum Sarah Louise Platt said the decision to leave the show in November was "extremely difficult".

"I love playing Sarah and have had an amazing seven-and-a-half years in Coronation Street. But I feel that the time has come to see what else is out there for me as an actress," O'Brien said.

Although she is expected to go out with a bang, it is believed that scriptwriters will not kill off her character - leaving an opportunity for her return in the future.

Producer Steve Frost said they were planning a "dramatic and fitting departure" for the character.

"Tina is a fabulous actress and we will be sorry to see her go. However, we fully understand her ambition and desire to play other roles," he said.

O'Brien joined the soap in 2000 and featured in one of its most controversial storylines when Sarah became pregnant at 13.

But that wasn't the end of the drama for Sarah. She also survived a canal plunge at the hands of villain Richard Hillman and was jilted at the altar by boyfriend Jason Grimshaw.

Grimshaw, played by actor Ryan Thomas, is O'Brien's real-life love.

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