Suranne Jones to leave Corrie

May 13, 2004

DEPARTING: Jones

CORONATION Streetés Suranne Jones is leaving the soap, it has been announced.

The actress who has played feisty factory girl Karen McDonald for four years is leaving the ITV soap to explore other acting roles with Granada, which makes Coronation Street.

The Oldham actress, who won the best actress award at the British Soap Awards last weekend, has not ruled out a return to the Street.

She was planning to leave next year but will now go when her contract ends in November.

The 25-year-old said today it was the éright timeé to move on.

éI adore playing Karen McDonald and love working with Simon Gregson,é she said.

Grateful

éIf it wasnét for the Corrie writers and Simon I wouldnét be where I am today and for that Iéll always be grateful.

éBut I just think the time is right for me to move on and explore other acting opportunities, whilst leaving the door open for Karen to return.é

She added: éI know Granada believe this is the best way forward as it gives the writers at Coronation Street the chance to write a terrific exit storyline for my character.

éWhilst I am extremely excited about the future, it will be a very sad day when I say goodbye to all the fantastic friends I have made, both from the cast and the crew.é

The announcement was made after bosses attempted to enter into contract negotiations with Jones, whose current deal expires in November. It is understood she told bosses she had no intention of extending her stay because she has other career ambitions to fulfil.

Jones will be on screen until the Christmas Day special for the climax of one of the 43-year-old soapés most nail-biting storylines.

Her character Karen is struggling with the fact that husband Steve slept with Tracy Barlow, played by Kate Ford, and fathered her child.

Jonesé announcement comes weeks after co-star Bruno Langley, who plays Todd Grimshaw, announced he was leaving Corrie.

* Is losing Suranne Jones a big blow to The Street? Have your say.

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carol mather, Droylsden Manchester (13/05/2004 at 21:03)

I am sorry to hear that Suranne Jones has decided not to renew her contract she is a very good actress and will be missed her recent story lines have been a joy to watch! Karen and Steve's antics on screen have been fantastic
I wish Suranne all the best in her new venture and hopes she returns to the street soon.

Chris, Middlewich (14/05/2004 at 10:55)

If you think she is a good actress I think you need your eyes and ears testing!

sir larry, old vic (14/05/2004 at 12:18)

i,m thinking of recomending her to the national - national express coaches that is ,not the national theatre - she is to acting what ron atkinson is to race relations !

JJ, Wythenshawe Manchester (14/05/2004 at 14:21)

Suranne has been most entertaining as her character Karen McDonald she will be very much missed, also Simon Gregson is underrated, what great facial expressions he has, hope he's there for a long time yet!!

Amanda, Oldham (14/05/2004 at 15:16)

The only reason I watch Corrie is to have a laugh at Karen and Steve - they are hilarious. What poor Steve has to put up with is beyond comprehension. His facial expressions and mild manner throughtout is highly amusing.

Kerrie, worsley manchester (14/05/2004 at 17:47)

I think it will be a great blow to corrie as suranne plays a great part in the soap.
I just hope she does come back as i hate it when soaps replace a actor/actress with some strange i dont think anyone would be able to play karen as great as suranne can
but good luck to her as we all know she will go far....

jeannie, gatley (14/05/2004 at 17:51)

good riddance get rid of some others at the same time

Lynda Hennessey (Kelly), Calgary, Canada. (14/05/2004 at 18:22)

Yes she will be missed, while I so detested her character in the beginning, I now think she plays just an excellent role in Karen...........

kristy syass, heywood, manchester (14/05/2004 at 19:45)

I think she should stay because she is a really good actress and the street wont be the same without the gobby karen she is

she is a STUNNER lol

CLIVE SMITH, Leek Staffordshire (15/05/2004 at 20:07)

A very good actress who will be a loss to the Street.
Good luck to her in the future. I am sure she will do well.

Margaret H, Cheshire (17/05/2004 at 08:51)

I enjoy watching Karen and Steve's banter and think they work well together, however, I am not convinced that Suranne is capable of taking on other roles.

Robert Bloy, Scotland (21/05/2004 at 13:03)

I think that it's not right that corrie's Suranne Jones, who plays Karen McDonald is leaving the street, she should stay on the street and enjoy life with acting, she is a great actor, I would say the best.

shannen, newbridge,kildare (08/06/2004 at 09:22)

she should not leave because shes great.karen and steve really make coronation st.

?, cheshire (11/06/2004 at 21:48)

Its such a shame that suranne is leaving, she is sooo gorgeous and makes me smile when i see her. Damn good actress

CELINA KHAN, BIRMINGHAM (16/06/2004 at 09:55)

I DONT THINK SHE SHOULD LEAVE.I THINK CORRIE WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT HER.SHE IS SUCH A WICKED ACTRESS AND SO PRETTY.NO ONE CAN REPLACE HER AND I HOPE CORRIE BRINGS HER BACK FOR THE SAKE OF HER FANS.GOOD LUCK TO HER AND DO COME BACK TO CORRIE.

Victoria Ross, Manchester (28/12/2004 at 11:15)

I think Suranne leaving corrie will be a big blow to the ratings as she is the one who made the programme, Suranne is a fantastic actress and i wish her well but hopefully we will be seeing her back on corrie soon.

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