Shobna Gulati to bow out of Coronation Street

She's played Coronation Street's Sunita Alahan, the long-suffering wife of smooth-talking Dev Alahan, on and off for the past eight-years.
But Shobna Gulati is to bid a final farewell to the cobbles of Weatherfield in 2013, with a suitably 'dramatic' departure planned for the much-loved character.
Leaving the Street to explore new career opportunities, the 46-year-old actress explained while she will be sad to say goodbye to Sunita, she is looking forward to focusing on comedy work in the future.
In a statement released on the official ITV website, she said: 'I have loved playing Sunita but, having played the role originally from 2001 to 2005 and then returning to Corrie four years ago, I really feel the time has come for me to focus on other aspects of my career.
'I had always told myself I would see my son through school, and I have done that. Comedy writing has long been a passion of mine and the commitment to a show like Corrie is huge and doesn't really leave enough time to concentrate on other projects. I'd love to be able to combine my writing and acting career in the future.
'Playing Sunita has been a fabulous opportunity. I've thoroughly enjoyed her journey and am looking forward with excitement to her dramatic departure. I shall miss her. That said, I have made a host of friends [in the] cast and crew - friendships that will stay with me.'

'Dramatic': Shobna, pictured here with her smooth-talking on-screen husband Dev Alahan, will depart the ITV1 soap as part of an explosive storyline in 2013

Sunita has been at the forefront of a series of particularly explosive storylines in recent months, with the star setting up home with Rovers Return landlord Karl Munro after the pair cheated on their respective partners, Dev and Stella, with each other.

 

And it looks as if the drama is set to continue for the character, with Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson promising a 'memorable' end to Sunita's time in Weatherfield.
He added in the statement: 'It's been a pleasure to work closely with Shobna these last few years.
'Sunita's mid-life crisis and the disintegration of the Alahans' marriage has kept Coronation Street viewers on the edge of their seats for the past six months.

Steamy: Sunita has been at the forefront of a series of particularly explosive storylines in recent months, with the star setting up home with Rovers Return landlord Karl Munro after a raunchy affair

'It's sad to lose such a well-loved and brilliantly played character, but it provides an exciting storyline opportunity and the writing team are already looking forward to developing a brilliant exit story for her.
'Viewers can expect something very memorable. We of course wish Shobna well in everything she does next.'

Shobna first portrayed Sunita between 2001 and 2005, before returning to Coronation Street four years later.
During her time on the cobbles, the corner shop worker has escaped an arranged marriage, been involved in a hostage plot with Dev's bunny boiler ex-girlfriend Maya, been diagnosed with a brain tumour and survived a tram crash. 
Prior to appearing in Coronation Street, Shobna was best-known for playing Anita in Victoria Wood comedy series Dinnerladies.

Eventful: In addition to her steamy affair with Karl, Sunita has escaped an arranged marriage, been involved in a hostage plot with Dev's bunny boiler ex-girlfriend Maya, been diagnosed with a brain tumour and survived a tram crash.

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