TA-RA, MICHELLE
Kym leaves Coro with a bang!
CORO’S MICHELLE GOES OUT WITH A BANG!
There wasn’t a dry eye on set as Kym Marsh filmed her final scenes on the cobbles last week, bringing to a close a 13-year stint on Coro.
The former pop singer announced her plan to leave the show back in February.
“When I was lucky enough to be offered four episodes on Coronation Street, I could never in my wildest dreams have thought I’d be here 13 years later,” she said. “It’s been an incredibly difficult decision, but it feels like the right time for me to take a break from the show and explore some other roles.”
Kym was also keen to spend more quality time with her family, after the 43-year-old became a grandmother in May. Her daughter Emilie Cunliffe and her partner have been living with Kym since before the birth, and the star says she loves having everyone under the same roof.
“Having your own children is such a special thing and having a grandchild feels the same.
I’m still not allowing anyone to call me ‘Grandma’ though! I just don’t feel old enough to be called ‘Gran!’”
Despite being confident that she’s made the right decision in quitting, she found her final scenes challenging.
“Michelle goes out with a bang, and there’s a lot of emotion, so watch this space!”
She was grateful to find out that her character wouldn’t be killed off in the emotional ending, which is top-secret until it screens in the UK in December.
“I’m thrilled by that. It means a lot to me. I’ve had so much fun playing her and it would be a shame if she could never return.”
She’s now planning a holiday with her family and has started rehearsals for an upcoming stage show in Liverpool, Elf: A Christmas Spectacular. She has also signed on to co-host a new BBC series called For Love or Money.
And she says she’ll spend plenty of time catching up with her Coro friends, who stood by her when her premature son died shortly after birth in 2009.
“When I lost Archie, I took some time off, but when I went back the cast and crew were the people I relied on,” she confides. “They still know to hug me on his birthday. I’ve made so many friends I love and cherish. We’ve always had each other’s backs.”
She says she’s looking forward to what lies ahead.
“I’ve loved playing Michelle and it’s never been boring! But while Corrie’s been a big part of my life, it’s not who I am. I’ve had a great time, but I’m sure
I’ll have a great life after.”