Sally Lindsay picked up a best actress award last month

Lindsay, 31, was recently involved in one of the show's biggest storyline as her character jilted abusive boyfriend Charlie Stubbs at the altar.

Last month, the actress won the best actress gong at the Inside Soap awards.

Lindsay, whose popular character is unlikely to be written out of the soap by scriptwriters, first joined the ITV show five years ago.

I think that Shelley has been through so much as a character during my time here Sally Lindsay

Street bosses will leave the door open for her character, who was also involved in a bigamous marriage with Ken Barlow's son Peter, played by Chris Gascoyne.

She will leave the soap in nine months when her current contract ends.

"I think that Shelley has been through so much as a character during my time here, and I am really looking forward to working on different projects," she said.

"I have and always will have a massive affection for Coronation Street, and I want to thank all the cast, production team and writers for everything that has happened for me and my character."

Producer Tony Wood praised her as a "talented actress" and paid tribute to her portrayal of Shelley's mental abuse at the hands of Charlie, played by Bill Ward.