Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell shared behind-the-scenes photos of her time on the cobbles shortly before announcing the shock news that she will be leaving the popular ITV soap this year.
The actress, 28, has played Emma Brooker on the show since 2018, with the bubbly, pink-loving character having made an impression on viewers over the course of her four year stint.
Her storylines have included discovering Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson, 47, was her biological father, and surviving a roof collapse at the factory.
It was however announced this week that Alexandra has chosen to leave the soap after four years in the role, with her character's final scenes expected to air in around April.
The shocking news was confirmed just hours after she had shared behind-the-scenes photos with her fans on social media, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
It reports that she shared the photos on Instagram, giving her 122,000 followers on the platform an insight into moments of her life on the set that take place off-camera.
The first photo gave a peak at her dressing room. It shows the door slightly open, revealing a dressing table in the room which featured a lit-up mirror and a vase of pink flowers.
The second photo shared by Alexandra was a selfie which showed her wearing the oversized puffer jacket, branded with the soap's logo, that cast members can wear on set.
Announcing her departure recently, the actor said: "Playing Emma, on the most iconic street there is, has been the best experience of my life. Four years have gone so fast."
She said that compared to other cast members she still feels "like a newbie," noting that this makes her decision to leave "all the more difficult." She added: "But now is the right time as a number of exciting opportunities beckon."
Alexandra continued in a post: "I can't thank everyone at Coronation Street enough for welcoming me and trusting me to tell so many wonderful and heartfelt stories."
She expressed gratitude over the friendships she'd made with colleagues and thanked fans for their support. She concluded: "When I see pink, I will always think of Emma."
Alexandra shared news of her departure on social media, including Twitter, which prompted responses from fans and colleagues, with many shocked by the announcement.
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Sally Ann Matthews, 51, who plays Jenny Connor, wrote: "I'm still fewmin." And in response Julia Goulding, 36, who plays Shona Platt, commented in a tweet: "Me too."
Sair Khan, 33, who plays Alya Nazir, shared crying emojis in her response. Whilst former co-star Katie McGlynn, 28, who played Sinead Tinker, shared three heart emojis.
Coronation Street continues tomorrow night on ITV from 7pm. You can catch-up on previous episodes through ITV Hub.
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