Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon is set to leave the soap in a dramatic plot, ITV has confirmed. The actress, who has played Andrea Beckett for two years, will make her exit in September during a live episode celebrating ITV's 60th anniversary.
The 38-year-old former Emmerdale actress joined the show in 2013 as a night school friend of Steve McDonald. She said: 'I came into Corrie for three months and have stayed for two years. I will be so sad to leave, I have had the best two years of my life here.'
Tamaddon described the soap as 'one big family' and said she has 'made some incredible friends'. She added: 'I'd never rule out a return to Weatherfield as I love it so much.'
Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn praised Tamaddon, saying: 'Hayley has brought real magic to the Corrie cobbles - funny, energetic, totally professional and a joy to be around as a friend and colleague alike, she'll be sorely missed.'
Meanwhile, Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness has signed up for a guest role as survival enthusiast Dougie Ryan. The 41-year-old will appear in six episodes over the summer, meeting the Tinker and Dobbs families on a camping holiday.
McGuinness said: 'Being asked to appear in Coronation Street was a very special moment for me. An iconic and much-loved show not just in the UK but around the world. The character I'll be playing is very funny and I'm sure the Corrie fans will love him.'
