[Scarlett.]

Kate Ford is to quit 'Coronation Street' for good.

The actress recently reprised her role as conniving Tracy Barlow in the Manchester-based soap and while bosses had hoped she would extend her initial six-month contract, she has decided to leave again because she hates being away from her two-year-old son Otis.

She is said to have told a friend: "It's really stressful right now as I hate being away from Otis. I am back at 'Corrie' for four more months and then I'll come back to London to find work.

"We have good contacts so hopefully I'll find something."

However, Tracy - who was last seen bleeding and unconscious in the street on New Year's Eve (31.12.10) - will continue to cause havoc over the next four months as she is being lined up as the new barmaid at the Rovers Return, where she will try to win back former lover Steve McDonald.

A source said: "Tracy is one of the most popular characters, the one we love to hate, and so where better to put her than behind the bar at the Rovers?"

Tracy returned to Weatherfield after being let out from prison on a technicality, where she was serving time for the murder of ex-boyfriend Charlie Stubbs.