Johnston to quit Corrie

Sue Johnston has quit 'Coronation Street'.

The actress - who plays Gloria Price on the ITV soap - has informed producers she will be leaving the show at the end of her contract in December to concentrate on other TV projects.

Despite her decision to quit the soap, show bosses have no plans to kill off Sue's well-received character and will leave the door open for her to return to the role in the future.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Bosses hoped to keep her for longer, but understand she wants to do other things. But they have no intention of killing Gloria off."

Sue joined the hit soap in April 2012 and made her on-screen debut last September as the interfering mother of Rovers Return landlady Stella Price, played by Michelle Collins.

The actress' final scenes are expected to air in early 2014.

A spokesperson said: "Sue will be on screen until early spring 2014 when Gloria will leave Weatherfield for the time being."

As well as Sue, 'Coronation Street' will soon be saying goodbye to soap favourite Michelle Keegan, who plays Tina McIntyre.

However, show bosses recently confirmed Beverly Callard will return to the cobbles as Liz McDonald in October.