Michelle Collins denies quitting Corrie

Michelle Collins has hit back at reports she's set to walk away from Coronation Street to spend more time with her family.

The former EastEnders star was said to have quit her role as Rovers Return landlady Stella Price after growing tired of the laborious commute from London to Manchester for filming.

Collins allegedly told reporters that she wanted to be at home in London for her daughter Maia Rose next year to support her through her GCSEs.

She told The Sun, "I will be in the show until this time next year but I think she (Maia Rose) would sue me after that.

"My daughter has her GCSEs next year. I want to be around to support her so I'll have to take time out.

"I find it really difficult working in Manchester and then coming back to London to be a mum. I don't want to unsettle Maia."

But the actress is adamant that she is not quitting the show for good - insisting she loves playing her feisty character.

In a statement, she says, "I am very happy working on Coronation Street and have no plans to leave the show. I have recently signed a new contract for another 12 months and have not said I'm planning to leave the show after that time.

"I'm really enjoying playing Stella and have made some firm friends on the cast. There are a lot of exciting storylines in the pipeline for Stella, including the recent casting of Sue Johnston as her mum, and I'm relishing the chance to be part of such an amazing show."