Coronation Street's Bhavna Limbachia confirms exit from the soap
She's played Rana Habeeb since 2016
Author: Emma DoddsPublished 23rd Jan 2019 Last updated 23rd Jan 2019
Coronation Street actress Bhavna Limbachia has revealed that she will be leaving the show after nearly three years. The 34-year-old, who plays Rana Habeeb on the soap, has announced that she is quitting the soap as she wants to pursue other opportunities.
Taking to Twitter in a video, Bhavna said, "Just wanted to give you a little message to say thank you so much for following Rana's journey and for your continued support of the storyline. I do have some news - my journey on Coronation Street will be coming to an end.
"But don't worry guys - I have extended my contract. I've had a wonderful time here and there's still lots more to film and I'm really grateful to Iain our producer for respecting my decision to leave," adding that they've worked together to make an amazing exit storyline.
Fans were, of course, devastated that Rana will no longer be on their screens, taking to Twitter to share their sadness. One wrote, 'Bhavna - thank you for telling Rana's story so beautifully. Its not the ending we wanted for her. However, I wish you all the best in your future. You are a wonderful actress & a breath of fresh air on @itvcorrie you will be so so so missed.' sic
Swipe through to see all the Coronation Street spoilers you need to know for this week...
Corrie spoilers
Despite his initial reservations, Steve tells Amy that if she does decide to cancel her termination, he'll support her no matter what.
Coronation Street's Bhavna Limbachia confirms exit from the soap
2 of 28
Corrie spoilers
Despite being jealous of their blossoming relationship, Gemma . confides in Chesney and Emma that Paul took the rap for some things she has done in her past and has never let her forget it.
Corrie spoilers
Despite his initial reservations, Steve tells Amy that if she does decide to cancel her termination, he'll support her no matter what.
Corrie spoilers
After discussing their options as a couple, Steve and Tracy have a major proposition for Amy.
Corrie spoilers
They offer to raise the baby as their own. Liz warns Steve and Tracy that taking on another child will be a huge commitment. Are they ready?
Corrie spoilers
As Evelyn prepares for her holiday with James, she noticed that Tyrone is being 'off' with her. Eventually, he tells her that James revealed it was Evelyn who abandoned him as a child, and not his mum.
Corrie spoilers
A heartbroken Evelyn explains that his mother, Cassie, was a drug addict, and she'd believed leaving him on the steps of the police station was the best option.
Corrie spoilers
Despite how sorry she is, Tyrone is hurt and angrily tells her to enjoy her holiday before storming out. Evelyn appeals to Roy to speak to Tyrone.
Corrie spoilers
Finding him at the garage, Roy tells Tyrone not to turn his back on his grandmother, and speaks about his regret at leaving things how they were with Sylvia.
Corrie spoilers
Still sporting the black eye given to him by Adam, Seb explains the twins adoption hearing is tomorrow, and that without a full time job he has no chance of winning custody.
Corrie spoilers
Sarah suggests that, by way of apology, Adam could represent him in court for free.
Corrie spoilers
Audrey is shocked and slightly offended when Nick and David refuse her expertise in setting up their new barber shop.
Corrie spoilers
As they discuss their plans at The Rovers, Sarah offers Gary's services in fitting the shop.
Corrie spoilers
Meanwhile, Abi and Eileen call at the yard to try and talk Seb out of his plans to adopt. Seb is furious, and an argument escalates.
Corrie spoilers
Things get so heated that they don't notice Gary turn up with a client, who decides to take his business elsewhere when he stumbles upon the row.
Corrie spoilers
Gary fires Seb on the spot. Desperate, Seb has an ultimatum for Sarah.
Corrie spoilers
In court, Seb lies and tells the judges he's in full time employment and can take care of the twins himself.
Corrie spoilers
But Abi knows it's not a good idea. Even though it breaks her heart, Abi tells the judges that Seb is lying, and it would better for the twins to remain with their foster parents.
Corrie spoilers
Seb feels betrayed by everyone. After Gary left him high and dry without a job, he vows to hurt him back.
Corrie spoilers
Seb tells Gary that Sarah spent the evening with Adam, and they kissed. How will they react?
Corrie spoilers
On Peter's request, Abi agrees to take a look at the boats engine and manages to fix it.
Corrie spoilers
But after the hearing, Peter can see how upset Abi is, and brings her back to the boat to comfort her – where he offers her a full time job on the boat.
Corrie spoilers
The pair of them discuss their colourful pasts and, bonding over their time in prison, they share a kiss.
Corrie spoilers
Michelle is shocked to see Carla rudely snap at a client and tells her she is overworking herself.
Corrie spoilers
Annoyed, Carla heads to boat house to seek comfort from Peter, but arriving at the docks sees that a light on the boat is already on.
Corrie spoilers
Noticing Carla head into the factory, Peter tells Abi that it's too cold to sleep on the boat, and follows Carla inside.
Corrie spoilers
As they reminisce about their relationship, Peter goes in for a kiss. Will Carla kiss him back?
Corrie spoilers
Elsewhere, Paul offers to help Billy sort out the donations for the church bring and buy sale.
Corrie spoilers
Billy takes Paul for a drink to thank him for his help. When Billy gets a message that Summer has lost her iPad Gemma immediately and publicly accuses Paul of stealing it.
Corrie spoilers
Despite being jealous of their blossoming relationship, Gemma . confides in Chesney and Emma that Paul took the rap for some things she has done in her past and has never let her forget it.
Corrie spoilers
Despite his initial reservations, Steve tells Amy that if she does decide to cancel her termination, he'll support her no matter what.
Corrie spoilers
After discussing their options as a couple, Steve and Tracy have a major proposition for Amy.
Corrie spoilers
They offer to raise the baby as their own. Liz warns Steve and Tracy that taking on another child will be a huge commitment. Are they ready?
Corrie spoilers
As Evelyn prepares for her holiday with James, she noticed that Tyrone is being 'off' with her. Eventually, he tells her that James revealed it was Evelyn who abandoned him as a child, and not his mum.
Corrie spoilers
A heartbroken Evelyn explains that his mother, Cassie, was a drug addict, and she'd believed leaving him on the steps of the police station was the best option.
Corrie spoilers
Despite how sorry she is, Tyrone is hurt and angrily tells her to enjoy her holiday before storming out. Evelyn appeals to Roy to speak to Tyrone.
Corrie spoilers
Finding him at the garage, Roy tells Tyrone not to turn his back on his grandmother, and speaks about his regret at leaving things how they were with Sylvia.
Corrie spoilers
Still sporting the black eye given to him by Adam, Seb explains the twins adoption hearing is tomorrow, and that without a full time job he has no chance of winning custody.
Corrie spoilers
Sarah suggests that, by way of apology, Adam could represent him in court for free.
Corrie spoilers
Audrey is shocked and slightly offended when Nick and David refuse her expertise in setting up their new barber shop.
Corrie spoilers
As they discuss their plans at The Rovers, Sarah offers Gary's services in fitting the shop.
Corrie spoilers
Meanwhile, Abi and Eileen call at the yard to try and talk Seb out of his plans to adopt. Seb is furious, and an argument escalates.
Corrie spoilers
Things get so heated that they don't notice Gary turn up with a client, who decides to take his business elsewhere when he stumbles upon the row.
Corrie spoilers
Gary fires Seb on the spot. Desperate, Seb has an ultimatum for Sarah.
Corrie spoilers
In court, Seb lies and tells the judges he's in full time employment and can take care of the twins himself.
Corrie spoilers
But Abi knows it's not a good idea. Even though it breaks her heart, Abi tells the judges that Seb is lying, and it would better for the twins to remain with their foster parents.
Corrie spoilers
Seb feels betrayed by everyone. After Gary left him high and dry without a job, he vows to hurt him back.
Corrie spoilers
Seb tells Gary that Sarah spent the evening with Adam, and they kissed. How will they react?
Corrie spoilers
On Peter's request, Abi agrees to take a look at the boats engine and manages to fix it.
Corrie spoilers
But after the hearing, Peter can see how upset Abi is, and brings her back to the boat to comfort her – where he offers her a full time job on the boat.
Corrie spoilers
The pair of them discuss their colourful pasts and, bonding over their time in prison, they share a kiss.
Corrie spoilers
Michelle is shocked to see Carla rudely snap at a client and tells her she is overworking herself.
Corrie spoilers
Annoyed, Carla heads to boat house to seek comfort from Peter, but arriving at the docks sees that a light on the boat is already on.
Corrie spoilers
Noticing Carla head into the factory, Peter tells Abi that it's too cold to sleep on the boat, and follows Carla inside.
Corrie spoilers
As they reminisce about their relationship, Peter goes in for a kiss. Will Carla kiss him back?
Corrie spoilers
Elsewhere, Paul offers to help Billy sort out the donations for the church bring and buy sale.
Corrie spoilers
Billy takes Paul for a drink to thank him for his help. When Billy gets a message that Summer has lost her iPad Gemma immediately and publicly accuses Paul of stealing it.
Corrie spoilers
Despite being jealous of their blossoming relationship, Gemma . confides in Chesney and Emma that Paul took the rap for some things she has done in her past and has never let her forget it.
This comes after a source revealed to the Mirror that Rana will allegedly be killed off the soap on her wedding day to Kate Connor. They said, "This was very much Bhavna’s decision, she told Kate Oates last year she wanted to try other things, and sat down with Iain the minute he joined.
"She wanted Rana to be killed off as she didn’t like the idea of just splitting them up as it would upset the fans of the show," adding that Rana will "die in Kate's arms".
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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