Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown has issued her first statement following the announcement that she will depart the soap, with the actor describing the news as "bittersweet".
It was confirmed on Thursday (2 October) that Sterling-Brown would be exiting the ITV series later this year, bringing an end to her three-year stint as beloved character Dee-Dee Bailey.
Speaking for the first time following the announcement, the actor took to Instagram and revealed that it was her decision to depart the soap, writing: "After three whirlwind years of Dee-Dee Bailey, I’ve decided to say farewell to the cobbles."
"Bittersweet to be saying goodbye, but I am so excited for pastures new and enjoying the end of playing Princess Diana and her many expressions 👩🏾⚖️," she continued in the post, which included four photos of her in character.
The post was greeted by several fans and colleagues in the comment section, with former co-star Kimberly Hart-Simpson - who played Nicky Wheatley - writing: "Your future is so so bright ❤️"
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Samia Longchambon and Harriet Bibby, who portray Maria Connor and Summer Spellman respectively, sent messages of support, while Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick posted a trio of love hearts.
Several Corrie fans also wrote messages, with one viewer commenting: "I commented when you first started that everyone needs a Dee-Dee as a friend so I'm gutted to hear you're/she's leaving 😢. She's an integral character and will be so missed."
"So sad to see you go! You’ve brought so much to Corrie and will be missed. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you though!," added one other fan, while another wrote: "We love her. Can't believe she is leaving. Gutted xxxx"
"We will miss Dee-Dee but good for you. Hopefully the door will be open for a return one day? Good luck, you smashed it ❤️🔥🙌," wrote one hopeful viewer, while another called the actor "incredible".
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Sterling-Brown's exit comes amid a tumultuous storyline for Dee-Dee, with the Bailey family in turmoil as they attempted to work out the co-parenting arrangements for Laila.
After weeks of strife, Dee-Dee and brother James managed to patch their relationship up as they agreed to support each other in raising Laila - but with Dee-Dee now set to leave Weatherfield, how will that arrangement continue?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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