[Scarlett.]

CORRIE babe Katherine Kelly is quitting as feisty Becky McDonald after nearly five years.

But she may not be gone for good when her contract runs out next year.


Katherine, 31, wants to pursue other roles and was delighted when top boss Phil Collinson assured her the door would be left open for her to return.


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It’s the end of her marriage to Steve but his toxic ex-lover Tracy Barlow will be back in the Street on Christmas Eve.


A Corrie insider said: “Becky and Tracy have already had a number of catfights so there’ll be plenty more before Katherine leaves.


“It came as a huge blow to everyone but, after nearly five years playing Becky, they understood her decision.


“She wants to go off and try other roles.


“Becky is one of the soap’s most popular characters and since they teamed her up with Steve they’ve quickly become one of the soap world’s favourite couples.


“It was a really hard decision for Katherine as she adores Corrie.


“She was a huge fan of the show before she joined and will always be grateful for everything that Corrie has done for her.


“She’ll be a big loss but her contract doesn’t run out until the end of October so she’ll be on screen until next Christmas.


“Her exit hasn’t been decided yet and there is always the hope that Katherine may well change her mind.”


A Corrie spokesman said: “Katherine Kelly is committed to Coronation Street to the end of 2011. It would be premature to discuss the departure of any actor when they still have almost 12 months to go on their contract.”