[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

[Mrluvaluva]

Thank god!

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

Thank god!

You not like her? lol

[MrGaryy]

Well I don't think she's ever said or done a single thing of interest so I won't miss her.

[Kerry]

She'll not exactly be missed. Blink and you've missed her scene

[Mrluvaluva]

Originally Posted by Chewy

You not like her? lol

Mmm. No. Lol

[Scarlett.]

yeah, I suppose thats true, its good that they're getting rid of the useless characters

Phil Collinson is already the best producer Corrie has had for years for axing the actual deadwood

[MrGaryy]

^I think Claire and Ashley still had life in them. They have great chemistry.

[Mrluvaluva]

""She will leave behind a trail of devastation".

Liz is gonna end up with a blue rinse.

[Kerry]

So long as they do keep some normality in the Street though. If it goes like EE and all depressing I'll scream. You need the odd none murderous character

[Scarlett.]

Meh, the Peacocks could have been used a few years ago, but they made Claire annoying, very annoying

I dont think Phil will turn Corrie into EE, I mean, Phil was the producer for Dr. Who back in 2005, he knows how to revamp a show

Which makes me think, Phil and Russell T. Davies are good friends....Mmmm...new writer? >:}

[Mrluvaluva]

I actually liked Claire more when she got her parts with Becky.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

I actually liked Claire more when she got her parts with Becky.

They did, or do, have a good funny friendship. I like it too

[Billy]

Definitely a stupid decision. Corrie should be spending their time developing characters like Natasha who have had no air time, not axing them.

[Mrluvaluva]

Originally Posted by Billy

Definitely a stupid decision. Corrie should be spending their time developing characters like Natasha who have had no air time, not axing them.

The Sun only comes on between 2 and 3 am.

[Billy]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

The Sun only comes on between 2 and 3 am.

LOL what?

[Mrluvaluva]

Originally Posted by Billy

LOL what?

Yours and Chewys 5 mins. Lol

[Stacey.]

Natashas my favourite girl in Coronation Street!
****ing get and axe Mary, Norris and Rita!!!

[Tom]

Who?

[30stone]

What a waste shes fit.

[BigBrotherfan4ever]

I dont think she'll be missed much.

[Smithy]

She won't be missed to much, she isn't that big of a character, however her exit sounds really interesting.

[Jackie]

Her character is abit boring though.

[Scarlett.]

Offical story :] Her exit sounds very exciting



Actress Rachel Leskovac, who plays Natasha, will leave Coronation Street later this year.

The hairdresser's exit will be the culmination of a really dramatic storyline which will be seen on-screen this summer and into autumn.

Our producer Phil Collinson said: "Rachel is a really talented actress who has been an asset to the show. Her character will be involved in a dramatic storyline which will be an integral part of the build-up to the 5Oth 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."

[Smithy]

Trail of devestation??

Maybe she screws over nick for a load of money and petrol bombs the rovers :s