Karen quits Corrie

Sexy Suranne Jones, who plays Karen McDonald on Coronation Street, has said she is leaving the soap.

10:30 14 May 2004

Sexy Suranne Jones, who plays Karen McDonald on Coronation Street, has said she is leaving the soap.

After four years playing the feisty brunette she has said she wants to pursue other acting roles with Granada.

Suranne, 25, said that it was the "right time" to move on.

"I adore playing Karen McDonald and love working with Simon Gregson [Karen's 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."

The news that she is to leave Weatherfield comes just days after she won best actress at the British Soap Awards.

"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," she added.

"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."

Suranne originally planned to quit the soap next year, but now means to leave when her contract runs out in November.

A spokesman for the Street said: "We knew she was planning to leave in 2005 anyway, and it was agreed the time was right to bring her love triangle storyline to an earlier climax."

The climax of the wedding/christening/transsexual-child-hopes wrecking plot has been moved forward to December.