Lucy Fallon left Coronation Street fans stunned when she announce she would be leaving the soap earlier this week.

The 23-year-old has played Bethany Platt on the ITV soap for the past four years. She said that although she has had "the most incredible" time on the show, she will be leaving to pursue other roles once her contract is up next year. Given the fact that so many of her other co-stars recently announced their departure, there was a lot of speculation about the reason behind her departure. The Sun report that she left Coronation Street so that she could join Strictly Come Dancing.  She is said to have been approached about taking part on the show last year. However, cast members are reportedly not allowed to take part on the show. A source told the publication:

"Lucy is a huge fan of Strictly and was invited to watch last year's live show in Blackpool. When Strictly bosses realised she was keen, they told her she'd have to quit Corrie because of its ban on deals.

"Lucy took the plunge as she knows her acting career has more opportunities ahead than sticking around in Weatherfield.

"Talks have started between her representatives and Strictly bookers. Some male dancers already want to partner her."

However, a Strictly spokesperson said:

“We do not comment on speculation, the full line-up will be announced in due course.”

In her statement, Lucy thanked Coronation Street bosses and insisted that her decision to leave had been made a long time ago. Faye Brookes, who plays Kate Connor, announced on Tuesday that she was "off to pastures new" after four years on the soap. And Tristan Gemmell, who plays Robert Preston, told his fans on April 26 that it was time to "hang up the chef's gear and head for pastures new." Connie Hyde, Katie McGlynn, Kym Marsh and Bhavna Limbachia have all also announced they were leaving the cobbles in 2019.