Tina O'Brien will exit Coronation Street at the end of the year

During her time playing Sarah Louise Platt she took part in gritty storylines, including her character having a baby at the age of 13.

O'Brien, 23, has been promised a dramatic plot for her exit, which will be screened in December.

She said it had been a hard decision to leave the series, but she wanted to try other acting roles.

'Fabulous actress'

"This has been an extremely difficult decision to make. I love playing Sarah and have had an amazing seven-and-a-half years in Coronation Street," she said.

"But I feel that the time has come to see what else is out there for me as an actress.

"I have had some fantastic storylines in the show and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with the fantastic actors, producers, writers, storyliners, directors and crew involved in making Coronation Street.

Producer Steve Frost said he understood O'Brien's desire to try other roles, calling her "a fabulous actress".

"She will be on screen for a further nine months which will give us time to play out a dramatic and fitting departure storyline for such a great character," he added.