Coronation Street's Natasha Blakeman is to commit suicide in a forthcoming storyline, it has been revealed.
The Weatherfield hairdresser, played by former Holby City actress Rachel Leskovac, will take her own life after suffering a series of personal setbacks in her final few weeks on the cobbles.
According to reports, Natasha is left heartbroken after her romance with businessman Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) runs into problems. She is also expected to face difficulties at work.
It is thought that the soap's scriptwriters have not yet reached a firm decision on how Natasha will end it all.
A show source told The Sun: "Viewers will be shocked by the storyline, but it will be handled with sensitivity."
Insiders said that Natasha is to show a nastier side before the gritty plotline airs. It is thought that she will tell Nick the truth about Leanne Battersby's (Jane Danson) past as an escort after realising that he still has feelings for his ex-wife.
Meanwhile, Natasha has also been tipped to scheme against boss Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) by trying to convince her that she is too old to run her salon - a plan which later backfires.
Leskovac's departure from Coronation Street was last week announced by the programme's new producer Phil Collinson.
Digital Spy