CORONATION STREET star Georgia May Foote has thanked her Twitter followers for their support after revealing that she is leaving the soap.

The 23-year-old Bury actress, who has played Katy Armstrong for four years, said her character’s exit will be “emotional... but exciting.”

She will be leaving Weatherfield to pursue other roles at the end of the year.

The actress tweeted: “Thank you for all your lovely messages regarding me leaving Coronation Street.

“Obviously it will be a very emotional time for me.

“But how exciting! I can’t wait to get back out there and see what I can do.

“This is only the beginning of so much more for me.”

In a formal statement about her exit, Georgia said: “I have had an amazing four years on Coronation Street. I have had some fantastic storylines and worked with some wonderful actors.

“I am very excited about what the future holds.

“Whilst I will be sorry to say goodbye to Weatherfield, I am looking forward to the challenge of new roles.”

Meanwhile, soap bosses have confirmed they will leave it open for Georgia to come back to the soap in the future, a course of action several of its stars have followed in recent times.

Coronation Street celebrates 53 years in existence at the end of the year, and the show’s producer Stuart Blackburn said: “Katy will not be killed off and the door will be left open for a possible return.

“We wish Georgia every success with her future career.”