Earlier today, we reported that The Sun exclusively revealed that Coronation Street star Michelle Collins was to leave the show when her contract ends in April 2013.

However, having read the story this morning, Michelle has issued a statement in which she denies that she had any intention of leaving the show when her new contract ends.

She said, “I am very happy working on Coronation Streetand have no plans to leave the show.

“I have recently signed a new contract for another 12 months and have not said I’m planning to leave the show after that time.

“I’m really enjoying playing Stella and have made some firm friends on the cast…

“There are a lot of exciting storylines in the pipeline for Stella, including the recent casting of Sue Johnston as her mum…

“And I’m relishing the chance to be part of such an amazing show.”

A Corrie spokeswoman added, “Michelle recently signed a new one year contract and it is far too early to talk about 2013 at this stage.”

In the earlier report, Michelle was quoted as saying that she planned to leave Corrie next year in order to concentrate on helping her teenaged daughter Maia Rose through her GCSEs.

Here’s a reminder of Michelle’s first appearance on the Street as Stella…

So, as per the earlier post, I’ll ask again; are you glad or sad that Michelle is apparently staying?