Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes announces she is leaving the soap

Coronation Street's Faye Brookes has announced she is leaving the soap after four years.

The actress, who plays Kate Connor, took to Twitter this afternoon to issue a statement - telling fans that while she's loved playing the role, "it's time for me to explore new opportunities. She said:

"Thanks to everyone for your amazing support, but after 4 fabulous years in Weatherfield it's time for me to explore new opportunities, I've loved playing Kate Connor, but she needs a break for a little while and so with a song in my heart I'm off to pastures new. #kana#corrie"

https://twitter.com/Faye_Brookes/status/1123216184470589444 The news comes a few days after Tristan Gemmill announced he was going to be leaving the soap. The actor broke the news on Twitter on April 26, telling his fans it was time to "hang up the chef's gear and head for pastures new." But it's not all bad news, as he promised "a lot of drama and shenanigans to come" before he leaves later in the year. He wrote:

"Folks, I just wanted to let you know that the time has come for me to hang up the chef’s gear and head for pastures new. "There is still a lot of drama & shenanigans to come for Robert but I will be leaving Corrie later in the year."

The 51-year-old took over the role of Robert Preston back in 2015 from the original actor, Julian Kay. The character and been away from Weatherfield for 12 years before his return. A few years after Robert's return to the cobbles, he fell for Kym Marsh's Michelle Connor. And Tristan's news comes a few months after Kym confirmed she would be leaving the soap after 13 years. Back in February, she said that she was going to be taking a break from Coronation Street - but promised viewers "it isn't the last you've heard of Michelle Connor." The actress first appeared on Corrie in a cameo role, playing Michelle Connor, back in 2006. Her popularity with viewers landed her a permanent role on the soap. Kym confirmed the news in a statement, which said:

"When I was lucky enough to be offered four episodes on Coronation Street, I could never in my wildest dreams have thought I’d be here thirteen years later

"It’s been an incredibly difficult decision but it feels like the right time for me to take a break from the show and explore some other roles.

"But this isn’t the last you’ve heard of Michelle Connor, she’ll be back! I can’t wait to see what the writers have in store for the future."