Devastated Coronation Street stars have sent messages of support to Ruxandra Porojnicu after she announced the shock news she is quitting the soap.
The 28-year-old, who made her debut on the cobbles in 2019 as nail technician Alina Pop, confirmed her exit from the long-running ITV show last night.
Sharing a photo of her and onscreen boyfriend Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, outside the Rovers Return, she wrote: “And that’s a wrap on Corrie!”
“Thanks to everyone who encouraged and supported me. It meant so much.
“I worked with some of the finest people, who are not only extremely talented but very humble and caring. They made me feel welcome and a part of this beautiful family. TA EVERYONE!”
Alexandra Mardell, who plays Alina’s housemate Emma Brooker, was one of the first to comment on the social media post.
The actress, who was once in a love triangle storyline with Alina over Seb Franklin, wrote: “Ah miss you already lovely lady! Lots of love! Alina and Emma corrie besties for life.”
Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Battersby commented: “Oh darling you’re like sunshine. You’ve been a joy. All the best for the future, you beaut.”
Kelly Allen, who plays imprisoned Kelly’s mum Laura Neelan, said: “Wishing you all the best darl. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you. Keep smashing those dreams.”
Sally Carman, who plays Seb’s mum Abi Franklin wrote: ‘Go well you beauty.”
While Mollie Gallagher, who recently won a National Television Award for portrayal of goth Nina Lucas, simply posted three hearts.
Romanian actress Ruxandra became one of Corrie’s best-loved characters in her three years on the cobbles.
Viewers first saw her when she played a human trafficking victim who was rescued by Seb Franklin.
Her character, Alina, later went on to have a romance with Seb and develop a friendship with Emma Booker.
But Alina’s biggest storyline is the dramatic love triangle which saw her steal Tyrone Dobbs from his long-term partner Fiz Stape.
Their relationship moved quick, with Alina getting pregnant within weeks of her and Tyrone being together.
But in tragic scenes, she lost the baby following a fire started by Tyrone’s daughter Hope.
Events came to a head again in Wednesday night’s episode as Alina ended her relationship with Tyrone after discovering he still had feelings for his ex, Fiz.
In a shock twist, Alina is pregnant again – but has announced she is leaving for her native Romania to raise her and Tyrone’s child alone.
Corrie fans saw Tyrone beg Alina to reconsider, saying: “I just want to be involved in the kid’s life. Surely we can come to some sort of arrangement.”
To which Alina replied: “Over my dead body.”
In scenes, due to be shown on Friday, Tyrone tracks Alina down before she prepares to leave the country.
Will Ty be able to convince her to stay? And is this the last we will see of Alina?
*Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm on ITV with previous episodes available on ITV Hub.
