Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell quits soap but leaves door open for return

Alexandra Mardell, who plays Emma Brooker, has quit Coronation Street.

The 28-year-old actress has starred in the soap as the barmaid for four years and says the time has gone “so fast”.

Alexandra, who was Steve McDonald’s secret daughter, will film her exit scenes later this month and will officially leave in April, The Sun has revealed.

“Playing Emma, on the most iconic street there is, has been the best experience of my life,” she told the publication.

“Four years have gone so fast.

“Compared to other cast members I still feel like a newbie, which makes my decision to leave all the more difficult.

“But I feel it’s the right time for me.

“I can’t thank everyone at Coronation Street enough for welcoming me and trusting me to tell so many wonderful and heartfelt ­stories.

“And for the friendships,” she added.

When Mirro approached ITV for comment, Corrie boss Iain MacLeod said: “Emma has found herself in a massive pickle — one which will cause her to wave goodbye to the cobbles. At least for now.

“Alexandra has been pure Corrie gold and I wish her all the best.”

She first stepped onto the cobbles in 2018 and her portrayal of the lovable Emma saw her scoop the title of Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards in 2019.

Speaking of her current storyline where her character was in the car with Faye Windass who hit and killed a pensioner named Ted.

Emma was tipsy at the time – leaving her in hot water.

It’s been made even worse for the pair when Tyrone Dobbs, played by Alan Halsall, invited Faye and her boyfriend Craig who is a policeman, to live with them.

Craig has taken a huge interest in Ted’s death and is working to solve the murder.

He recently discovered Ted’s wooden crutch, which could have the girls’ fingerprints on.

One evening when the group are enjoying a glass of wine, Faye asked: “Are you any closer to finding out what happened to that old guy?”

“We’re still waiting for a postmortem and forensics to do another sweep,” Craig replied.

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Off-camera Alex is currently planning her wedding to her fiancé Joe Parker.

The pair went to a confetti mixing event where they threw dried flowers in the air during a sweet Instagram video.

Alex wore a jumper that had “wedding planning in progress” printed across the front.

She captioned the photos: “What a day! Wedding planning in progress. Confetti mixing at @adamapple.co.uk and lovely lunch at @olivetreebrasserie. Happiest of Saturdays”

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