[Scarlett.]

CRIMPER Natasha Blakeman is the latest Corrie star to be given the chop by new boss Phil Collinson.

The dippy blonde - played by ex-Holby City actress Rachel Leskovac, 33 - will quit the cobbles later this year in a major storyline.

Street insiders say Natasha will leave a trail of devastation in her wake, causing no end of trouble for other Corrie characters.

Natasha first appeared in Weatherfield in May 2008 to take Maria Connor's job in Audrey's salon.

Since then she has enjoyed a steamy affair with murderer Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) as he tried to make Maria jealous.

She is now dating Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).

Rachel is the third cast member to lose her role in the ITV1 soap since Phil took over as producer from Kim Crowther earlier this year.

He previously fired Steven Arnold - butcher Ashley Peacock - and Julia Haworth, who plays his wife Claire, after the pair complained about a lack of plots.

An ITV spokesman told TV Biz yesterday: "We can confirm that Rachel Leskovac will leave Coronation Street later this year.

"Her departure will be the culmination of a dramatic storyline which will be seen on screen this summer and into the autumn."

Producer Phil said: "Rachel is a really talented actress who has been an asset to the show.

"Her character will be involved in an exciting and dramatic storyline which will be an integral part of the build-up to Coronation Street's 50th anniversary.

"She will leave behind a trail of devastation - a real testament to the impact Rachel as Natasha has had on many lives in our community.

"We wish her much success for the future."

The Sun

I liked Tasha, but I am really happy to see Phil is finally cutting down on cast members