Alison King will leave her role in Coronation Street next year, it has been confirmed.
The popular actress has played Carla O’Connor in the soap for nine years but has told producers that she wants to take a sabbatical “for creative reasons”.
“She wishes to try out other projects before returning to the part of Carla, a role she has enjoyed for nine years. Before Ali takes her break, Carla has much more drama to come,” said a spokesperson for the show.
No date has been set for Alison’s return to Corrie and The Sun has claimed that bosses were left “reeling” by her request.
“Carla is a huge part of the show and they thought Ali wasn’t going anywhere. Corrie is still very popular but behind the scenes things aren’t so good,” a source told the newspaper.