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".

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 Ian, 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.

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.