Claire King quits Coronation Street after three years as Erica Holroyd embarks on an affair with Kevin Webster
The actress is leaving the cobbles for pastures new
CLAIRE King has quit Coronation Street after three years.
The actress - who plays Erica Holroyd in the ITV soap - has announced she will leave the show over the summer to take on new challenges but has hinted she will be back.
In a statement she said: "It's been a dream come true to tread those famous cobbles. I was only meant to stay for six weeks initially, so for Erica to be so popular that she stayed for three years and even worked in The Rovers was a real compliment to me as an actress.
"I've had such a great time with the cast and crew, so it's fabulous that they have left the door open for Erica to return in the future. Who knows what adventures she'll be getting up to away from the Street? She's certainly not boring.
"As for me, I'm ready for another challenge. I'm not leaving the screens anytime soon, so watch this space."
It comes as Claire's character Erica is rumoured to be beginning a passionate affair with Kevin Webster.
The mechanic - who is played by actor Michael Le Vell in the ITV soap - has been pictured at a hotel with shop worker Erica sparking rumours the pair will enjoy an illicit fling behind their partners' backs.
Kevin is in a serious relationship with Anna Windass, while Erica has been involved with Dev Alahan for over a year.
The pair were spotted filming upcoming scenes at a hotel in Manchester and it looked like they could be preparing for a secret meeting without their partners.
Actress Claire King wrapped up warm in a huge red overcoat as she walked into the hotel on Tuesday afternoon.
Michael was spotted arriving at the rendezvous in his van as he wrapped up from the elements in an overcoat and hooded sweatshirt.
Kevin has struggled in the show with financial issues since he was forced to bail daughter Sophie out when she fell ill on holiday without any travel insurance.
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Further pressure came when his partner was left badly burned in a freak fireball caused by David Platt's revenge plot against Clayton Hibbs.
Unable to work with her injuries, the couple fell into further debt, only recently helped by David's giving away an inheritance he was left to them to help out.
But it seems all may not be well in the world of the Webster-Windasses if these pictures are to be believed...
- Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights on ITV
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