Candice quits the Street

Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson is quitting the soap, it was announced today.

Sanderson, who plays wannabe weathergirl Candice Stowe, will be written out this autumn after six years.

The 21-year-old is keen to launch a pop career.

"I have had the most fantastic and memorable time here at Corrie," Sanderson said.

"I made the decision to leave as it is time for me and Candice to leave the cobbles on a high. I am really sad to be going because I will miss everybody.

"I am excited about what the future holds and I'd like to thank everybody for the fantastic opportunities I have been given."

The actress has played ditzy Candice since November 1999.

She began with a bit part as the best friend of teenage mum Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien).

After proving a hit with viewers she got more screen time and has become one of the soap's most popular characters.

Sanderson was dealt a blow recently when Corrie bosses decided to axe her on-screen and off-screen boyfriend Danny Young, who plays Warren Baldwin.

Coronation Street producer Tony Wood said: "Candice is a character with a great deal of ambition and we felt it was not believable that she would stay in Weatherfield forever.

"At the same time Nikki has indicated that she wants to try her hand at other projects - it therefore suits Coronation Street and Nikki for the character to be written out this autumn.

"Nikki has been a real asset to the show and the writers have had great fun writing for Candice. We wish her all the best for the future."