Coronation Street: shock exit from soap for actress Georgia May Foote

Coronation Street bosses have ditched Georgia May Foote just two months after handing her a bumper pay rise to keep her on the cobbles.

The actress, 23, was handed a £100,000-a-year deal in February after pin-up Michelle Keegan announced she was quitting the ITV soap.

But Georgia, who first appeared as Katy Armstrong in July 2010, was stunned when bosses recently told her she will be written out at the end of the year, reports the Mirror newspaper.

After the shock announcement, the star tweeted: “There is nothing more exciting than the future!” with a heart and a kiss. But she later posted a picture of a woman drinking wine with the words: “It’s been one of those weeks... #TGIF”

Putting on a brave face, Georgia said: “I have had an amazing four years on Coronation Street, I have had some fantastic storylines and worked with some wonderful actors.

“I am very excited about what the future holds. While I will be sorry to say goodbye to Weatherfield I am looking forward to the challenge of new roles.”

This year has seen a mass exodus from the Street, with stars Chris Gascoyne, Sue Johnston, Charlie Condou and Philip Lowrie all leaving.

But ITV bosses have managed to keep Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow), Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) and Samia Ghadie (Maria Connor) with lucrative deals.

Georgia, too, seemed convinced that she was safe, saying recently: “I’m happy to stay for as long as they will have me.”

She was nominated for sexiest female at British Soap Awards this year and stole the crown as Corrie’s favourite pin-up after Michelle’s exit.          

In an interview last month Georgia also bragged about changing her character from a “bit of a wet mum” to “more feisty and gobby”. But insiders claim she may have become too big for her boots - prompting her premature departure.

But show boss Stuart Blackburn said in a statement: “Katy will not be killed off and the door will be left open for a possible return. We wish Georgia every success with her future career.”