Coronation Street star leaves soap after 12 years with last scene airing in July

CORONATION Street stalwart Ellie Leach is leaving the soap after 12 years.

The actress, who plays Faye Windass, has been written out and her last scenes will air on the ITV soap in July.

Getty

Ellie Leach, who plays Faye Windass, is leaving the soap after 12 years[/caption]

Fortunately for Ellie, who is the cousin of former co-star Brooke Vincent, Corrie scriptwriters have saved her character from the death knell.

An insider tells me: “Ellie’s been on the soap since she was 10 years old so it’s all she’s known, she sees the cast like an extension of her family.

“She’s sad to be leaving, but grateful that her character won’t be killed off. She’s going to have a go at trying other acting roles for a bit.”

Ellie’s tackled some gritty storyline on the cobbles, including teen pregnancy, early menopause and was even sented to prison for attacking a neighbour.

Speaking about soap earlier this year Ellie said: “ I have been in Coronation Street for twelve years but it literally feels like I started yesterday. That’s over half my life! It’s mental. Faye has been through a lot.”

At least she has plenty of experience to draw from…