Bhavna Limbachia has announced her departure from Coronation Street after nearly three years on the show.
The actress posted a video to Twitter confirming that her “journey” as the character Rana Habeeb on the ITV soap was “coming to an end”.
Following media reports this morning I just wanted to send you all a message @itvcorrie ♥️🙏🏽🌈 pic.twitter.com/Toa2pCFo7h
— Bhavna Limbachia (@BhavnaLimbachia) January 23, 2019
The 34-year-old plays the soap’s first gay Muslim character who last year fell in love with Kate Connor, played by Faye Brookes.
Limbachia said Coronation Street’s writers had come up with an “amazing” exit storyline for her character.
She told fans: “I just wanted to give you a little message to say thank you so, so much for following Rana’s journey and for the continued support of the storyline.
“I do have some news. My journey at Coronation Street will be coming to an end.
“But don’t worry guys, I have extended my contract. I’ve had a wonderful time here but there is still much more to film.
“I’m really grateful to Iain, our producer, for respecting my decision to leave. We had collaborators come up with an amazing exit storyline.”
According to reports in The Sun newspaper, Limbachia’s character is to be killed off.
A Coronation Street spokesman said: “Bhavna Limbachia will be leaving Coronation Street later this year. She made the decision last year and spoke to producer Iain MacLeod when he joined the show about her plans to leave.
“She has been fully involved in the discussions about Rana’s leaving story, the details of which we are hoping to keep under wraps for the viewers. Bhavna is a talented actress and we wish her every success for the future.”
Limbachia found fame playing Alia Khan in BBC programme Citizen Khan. She did not share details of any new projects she may be taking on.