Actress Suranne Jones spent four years on Coronation Street playing Karen McDonald, but left the soap in 2004.

She has admitted that she can’t see herself returning to the ITV soap, especially after playing so many interesting characters since. Suranne told The Sun’s TV Buzz:

“The longer you leave it, the further away Karen feels from me now.”

She added: “Steve [Karen’s ex-husband] has all these similar women in his life. Becky was such a huge character and now Tracey’s back on the scene, I’m not sure there’s a place for Karen anymore.”

“I don’t mind that, though. I have learnt so much on Coronation Street. I was a mess when I joined the show at 21 – I didn’t know how a TV studio worked – but now I’m 33 and I’m like: ‘Bring it on!’”

Since her Corrie days, Jones has went on to star in shows such as Doctor Who, Scott & Bailey, Harley Street, Single Father and The Sarah Jane Adventures.