Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes didn’t have time for marriage with Gareth Gates and quit to focus on planning wedding and travelling
The actress, 31, who plays Kate Connor, announced she was leaving this week
CORONATION Street’s Faye Brookes quit the soap to focus on planning her wedding to Gareth Gates and to do more travelling.
The actress, 31, who plays Kate Connor on the Cobbles, announced her shock decision earlier this week and we can now reveal she felt like she didn’t have enough time to concentrate on her upcoming marriage.
A TV insider told The Sun Online: “Kate has loved every minute on Corrie but she is completely committed to Gareth and making their marriage work.
“She nearly lost him once when they split up so she’s determined to make it work this time but it’s really hard with her filming schedule and their academy.”
In recent months the filming schedule has became more intense - shooting six shows a week instead of five.
The couple, who announced their engagement in January of this year, also run a performing arts school called Fates Academy.
The source continued: "Faye really feels that the crazy schedule is stopping her from doing everything she wants.
"Gareth travels a lot for work so she wants to be able to go with him and see more of the world.
"They're also looking to the future and starting a family, which would be tricky when she's still on the show."
Fay broke the news this week as she tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for your amazing support, but after 4 fabulous years in Weatherfield it's time for me to explore new opportunities, I've loved playing Kate Connor, but she needs a break for a little while and so with a song in my heart I'm off to pastures new. #corrie."”
Faye will be on the screen until the early autumn and show bosses say the door will be "left open" if she wants to return in the future.
Most Read In TV & Showbiz
"Faye is a very talented actress who has put her all into the portrayal of Kate Connor for the past three-and-a-half years, we wish her every success for the future," an ITV spokesman told The Sun Online.
"She will be on screen until early Autumn and the door will be left open."
Faye's exit comes after she was involved in an emotional storyline as Kate's wife-to-be Rana Habeeb died in her arms after the factory roof collapsed.
In the past few months a number of actors have announced they are leaving the ITV soap – Lucy Fallon, Tristan Gemmill, Connie Hyde, Kym Marsh, Bhavna Limbachia, Laim Bairstow and Katie McGlynn.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.