Coronation Street actress Alexandra Mardell has suddenly decided to leave her role as the cobbles' Emma Brooker.
Bubbly pink-wearing Emma arrived as an apprentice hairdresser at Audrey Roberts' salon and had a fling with Audrey's grandson David Platt when she first arrived on the ITV soap four years ago.
But now, the actress claims it is 'the right time' to put the character behind her and to move on to new opportunities.
READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street fans all say the same thing as Amy Barlow turns 18
Writing on her Instagram stories, Alexandra said: "Playing Emma, on the most iconic street there is, has been the best experience of my life. Four years have gone so fast.
"Compared to other cast members, I still feel like a newbie, which makes my decision to leave all the more difficult. But now is the right time as a number of exciting opportunities beckon.
"Although, who knows, maybe the street hasn't seen the last of Emma Brooker."
She added: "I can’t thank everyone at Coronation Street enough for welcoming me and trusting me to tell so many wonderful and heartfelt stories.
"And of course for the friendships and amazing fans. When I see pink, I will always think of Emma."
Emma Brooker has been at the heart of many dramatic stories on the much loved soap.
Just before Christmas she was set to marry fiancé Curtis Delamere before finding out that he was lying about multiple things including having a life threatening illness.
More recently, her and Faye Windass accidentally ran over an elderly man called Ted while she was giving Faye a driving lesson still under the influence of New Year's Eve drinks.
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