Keegan 'won't overstay' Corrie welcome

Michelle Keegan won't overstay her welcome on 'Coronation Street'.

The 25-year-old actress doesn't plan on staying on the ITV soap forever and admits that while she loves playing surrogate mother Tina McIntyre, when her storylines start to dry up she'll know it's time to move on to other projects.

She explained: "I've always said that I wanted to do something else. People say, 'Are you leaving?' Or whatever, but to be fair I haven't made the decision yet. At the minute I'm really enjoying 'Coronation Street' and I'm getting really good storylines and I'm really lucky like that, so I think I'll know when the time is right to go."

The stunning brunette believes the popularity of the programme - which picked up the best Serial Drama prize at the National Television Awards last month - stems from its escapist qualities and power to get viewers so wrapped up in the Weatherfield residents' lives.

She said: "I think it's because when you come home from work and switch 'Corrie' on, it takes you away. There's a sense of escapism with 'Corrie'; you watch it and it's got drama in it, but it also has that comedy element as well."

The star regularly picks up Sexiest Female accolades at soap awards and modest Michelle revealed she is flattered yet confused by the title.

She added to FHM magazine: "It's really flattering, and even now when I win an award like that, it's just unbelievable, because I think, 'What the hell do they see?' Because I'm not like your typical sexy girl. I don't think of me and think of sexy."