Corrie star Sue Johnston to leave soap

Coronation Street star Sue Johnston has decided to leave the soap, according to a tabloid report.

The Sun reports that the 69-year old actress, who made her first appearance as Gloria Price last year, will leave in 2014 to pursue other acting opportunities, however a future return may be possible as the character won’t be killed off.

A Coronation Street spokesperson said: “Sue will be on screen until early spring 2014 when Gloria will leave Weatherfield for the time being.”

“Bosses hoped to keep her for longer, but understand she wants to do other things. But they have no intention of killing Gloria off.” – an insider added.

Gloria is the mother of pub landlady Stella (Michelle Collins) the pair have a sometimes tricky relationship that has played out on screen since Gloria’s arrival.

Sue Johnston has had a long and varied career in acting but is particularly notable for her roles as Barbara Royle in the Granada produced BBC sitcom The Royle Family and as matriarch Sheila Grant in Channel 4 soap Brookside.