Corrie star Suranne quits

Coronation Street's Suranne Jones is quitting the soap, it was announced today.

The actress has been playing feisty factory girl Karen McDonald for four years.

She is leaving the ITV soap to explore other acting roles with Granada, which produces Coronation Street.

Jones, who won the best actress award at the British Soap Awards last weekend, has not ruled out a return to the Street.

She was planning to leave next year but will now go when her contract ends in November.

The 25-year-old said today it was the "right time" to move on.

"I adore playing Karen McDonald and love working with Simon Gregson (who plays husband Steve)," she said.

"If it wasn't for the Corrie writers and Simon I wouldn't be where I am today and for that I'll always be grateful.

"But I just think the time is right for me to move on and explore other acting opportunities, whilst leaving the door open for Karen to return."

She added: "I know Granada believe this is the best way forward as it gives the writers at Coronation Street the chance to write a terrific exit storyline for my character.

"Whilst I am extremely excited about the future, it will be a very sad day when I say goodbye to all the fantastic friends I have made, both from the cast and the crew."

The decision was taken earlier today following the soap's long term planning conference with producers and writers.

It was felt that her storyline would be most powerful if it was not dragged out.

The actress has already been reading new scripts following discussions with the controller of drama in Manchester, Carolyn Reynolds, about her future.

Jones will be on screen until December for the climax of one of the 43-year-old soap's most nail-biting storylines.

Her character Karen is struggling with the fact that husband Steve slept with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) and fathered her child.

The announcement follows the departure of Bruno Langley, who has been at the centre of a gay storyline as Todd Grimshaw.

Coronation Street won five awards at last weekend's British Soap Awards, compared to EastEnders' seven.

The soap's producer, Tony Wood, said: "Karen lives life on the edge and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to stay in Weatherfield for the rest of her days.

"She's high maintenance, high-octane and highly sexed and Steve has a problem controlling her.

"His one night stand with Tracy was never going to allow them to grow old together.

"Tracy has his child and Karen won't ever come to terms with the other two people in her marriage. We therefore felt it was the right time for her to go.

"This is the best decision for the programme. She's a great acting talent and we wish her well for the future.

"Her departure gives us the opportunity for a fantastic exit storyline around Christmas time, which couldn't be better timing for the viewers."