Facing the axe: Michelle Keegan's Coronation Street character to be killed off in 'whodunnit' storyline as part of ITV plan to win ratings war with EastEnders

PUBLISHED: 06:57, 17 October 2013 | UPDATED: 08:23, 17 October 2013

She became a household name thanks to her long-running role on Coronation Street, but Michelle Keegan is to leave the soap in dramatic fashion next year when her character, Tina McIntyre, is killed off.

The 26-year-old actress announced her departure from the show in April – and ITV are said to be planning a major storyline ahead of her exit that they hope will give them a clear advantage over BBC rival EastEnders.

ITV are keen to claw back some ground in their long running war with the show following a string of coups for the BBC flagship – amongst them the return of David Wicks, played by Michael French, and the signing of Danny Dyer.

I'm off: Michelle Keegan will leave Coronation Street next May

‘They’ve been weighing up whether to kill Tina off and believe it is the best way to get maximum ratings,’ a source told The Sun. ‘It will set up a cliff-hanger leaving viewers guessing who killer her.

‘But Michelle’s fans will be devastated as it means Tina will never be able to return.’

The actress has become a household name and a show favourite since making her first appearance on the cobbles as feisty Tina McIntyre in 2008.

Success: Michelle Keegan has played Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street since 2008

Pals say she was keen to leave once her current contract ends in November, but Street bosses encouraged her to stay for a further six months while they devise an adequate storyline.

A friend said: ‘Her exit storyline will be a massive deal and she’s happy with whatever the producers come up with.’

Her role has helped win her the Sexiest Female title no less than four times at the British Soap Awards.

End of the road: Corrie bosses plan to kill Tina off in the new year

A potential fifth could be in the pipeline following her nomination for the same award at this year’s event on October 21, with EastEnders star Jaqueline Jossa also amongst the nominees.

Currently engaged to former TOWIE star Mark Wright, Michelle has previously dated Hollyoaks actor Anthony Quinlan and model Brad Howard.

A previous engagement to singer Max George from The Wanted came to an end in 2012.

Happy couple: Michelle is engaged to former TOWIE star Mark Wright

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Friday, 18 October 2013

Michelle Keegan's Coronation Street character to be killed off in 'whodunnit' storyline

Facing the axe: Michelle Keegan's Coronation Street character to be killed off in 'whodunnit' storyline as part of ITV plan to win ratings war with EastEnders