Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell has shared her "relief" over her soap exit.
The star is set to depart Weatherfield next week after four memorable years portraying Emma Brooker on the ITV show. The 28-year-old was interviewed by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary about her decision to quit on today's edition of This Morning.
She said: "I did tell them about a year ago. I wanted to get a full story in before I left. There wasn't a particular reason for me wanting to go.
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"I've had amazing stories over the past four years and it just came to a nice round circle. I thought it was my time now."
Alexandra's character has endured a turbulent year on Weatherfield as she was in the car when Faye Windass accidentally ran over an elderly man named Ted. Emma and Faye were initially relieved when Ted was seemingly unharmed from the incident, but later discovered he had died from his injuries.
The two covered up their involvement in his death, but Emma has since become romantically involved with Ted's grandson, Jon. Emma's love interest has yet to discover she played a part in his grandad's death and he is currently planning to open a beach bar in Australia.
The manner of Emma's Weatherfield exit is still shrouded in mystery, but Alexandra did reveal she was she was pleased her character hasn't been killed off. She added: "That was a relief. I'm happy about that."
The This Morning presenters agreed this was the ideal terms to leave the soap on as she could one day return to the show. Alison said: "The door is open for you to come back".
Alexandra Mardell's Coronation Street exit will be broadcast on next Friday's episode of Coronation Street.
Coronation Streets airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV and ITV Hub
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV and ITV Hub
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