The Sun’s TV Biz exclusively reports today that Corrie star Michelle Collins is leaving the Street and her role as pub owner Stella Price.

Michelle apparently made the decision to leave in order to spend more time with her daughter, Maia Rose who’s 15.

However, Michelle – who joined the soap a year ago – has just signed a new contract to say until April 2013, but after that, she’ll be offski.

She told the paper, “I will be in the show until this time next year.

“My daughter has her GCSEs next year. I want to be around to support her so I’ll have to take time out.

“I find it really difficult working in Manchester and then coming back to London to be a mum. I don’t want to unsettle Maia.”

Michelle’s decision is sure to have upset the show’s bosses, and most particularly executive producer Phil Collinson, who put his own job on the line when he was criticised for hiring former EastEnders star Michelle as fans complained about her “dodgy” Manchester accent…

And of course, we’re about to meet Stella’s mum Gloria, who’s played by The Royle Family star Sue Johnston.

Of Michelle’s decision to quit, an insider said, “We hoped she would be talked about in the same breath as Annie Walker, Bet Lynch and Liz McDonald.

“It doesn’t look like that will happen now.”

Will you be glad or sad to see Michelle go?