Coronation Street star Amy Kelly has quit the show after a year in the role of Maddie Heath.

The actress chose not to renew her current deal with the ITV soap, but will remain part of the cast until the summer.

Amy Kelly as Maddie Heath in Coronation Street
© ITV
Amy Kelly as Maddie Heath

Announcing her choice to bow out, Kelly commented: "I made the decision to leave because I'm young and adventurous and I want to gain more experience and explore and improve my craft. Acting is my passion and I'm excited to see where it takes me.

"I've had the most amazing 18 months and I'll be sad to leave my Corrie family. It's been like a second home, but like all young people, you eventually fly the nest. I can't thank everyone enough who made this, not only possible, but fantastic."

Maddie arrived on screen in December 2013 as a new love interest for Sophie Webster. Although her early storylines revolved around her troubled background and bad behaviour, viewers have also seen a softer side to the feisty character in recent months.

Sophie and Maddie sit back and watch their prank work
© ITV
Maddie with girlfriend Sophie in Coronation Street

Maddie also had a major role to play in Coronation Street's recent mini-bus crash storyline, helping to save Sophie's mum Sally by pulling her out of the vehicle before it dropped over a cliff.

Coronation Street's producer Stuart Blackburn added: "Amy is a talented young actress and we wish her every success for the future. We are currently working on an exit storyline for Maddie which will have repercussions for Sophie and other Weatherfield residents."