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Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede has confirmed that she is leaving the soap.

The Kirsty Soames actress revealed on her Twitter account today (February 22) that she will film her final scenes next week.

Gumede wrote: "I can now confirm what you all suspected: #Corrie is on a Kirsty countdown!! The last 18 months have been incredible, thank you all so much!

"Your support has touched me greatly, and working with the #Corrie team has been an honour and a pleasure."

Singling out the co-star of her domestic violence storyline, she went on: "Thank you @alanhalsall for your generosity as a person and as an actor! And all of my castmates, crewmates and all who look after us so well.

"After my final #Corrie filming day next week, I will look back with love, and look forward to new adventures xxx"

Gumede's character Kirsty falsely accused ex-fiancé Tyrone Dobbs of domestic violence last month, with the latter now having to battle to prove his innocence in court during the coming weeks.

It was revealed recently that two different endings to the trial have been filmed.

Gumede has made her mark since joining Coronation Street in summer 2011, with her domestic abuse plot named 'Best Storyline' of 2012 by Digital Spy readers. The actress also took the 'Best Newcomer' title at the British Soap Awards 2012.