In an exclusive new shoot and interview for HELLO! Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan talks in detail for the first time about her decision to say goodbye to the role of soap favourite Tina McIntyre.But that's not the only change on the horizon as she reveals she is also planning to set up home with her boyfriend, TV presenter and former TOWIE star Mark Wright, moving away from her native Manchester to live with him in the south.
"Yep, we plan to start house hunting after Christmas. We'll have been together for over a year by then and we'll look at areas around Essex, so it's easy to travel to London," the 26-year-old announces in the new edition of
HELLO!."I am really excited about it. "She also sets the record straight scotching rumours that her decision to quit the soap had anything to do with wanting to spend more time with 26-year-old Mark - not that anyone would blame her. "I didn't decide to leave because of Mark. It's just how things have worked out. I'd actually been thinking about leaving on and off for a couple of years. It was a huge decision to take and a very scary one, as you never know what you'll do afterwards.
I will miss it but after six years, I know it's the right thing to do. If I don't do it now at my age, when I have no children or ties, then when will I? I don’t want to look back in ten years time and think what if...?
"I am 26 and I have only ever lived in one place, Manchester. I've never lived away from home or even lived with a man. But I've grown up fast over the last few years and know what's right or wrong for me. "Her character is not being killed off though, "They are leaving the door open for me, which I am very grateful for. Who knows what will happen to Tina? You never know with a soap. But I'm sure it will be a dramatic exit!"See the full exclusive article in
HELLO!Magazine, out now!
