Kym Marsh has landed a major new role after leaving Coronation Street.

The actress, who played Michelle Connor for 13 years before her exit from the cobbles in January, is said to have joined the cast of the BBC drama The Syndicate.  The Sun report that she'll be playing a key character in the fourth season of the show, which is due to start filming later this year. The drama, by acclaimed writer Kay Mellow, takes a look at how the lives of a group of people change after they win the lottery. The new season will focus on a group who work at a dog kennels in Leeds - although the drama will be split between the UK and Las Vegas. “Landing a part in The Syndicate is something of a coup for Kym, as Kay is still viewed as one of telly’s top writers," an insider told the publication. “And she has shown to have the pulling power to attract big-name actors to her projects, so Kym is likely to be in good company with this cast.This will be viewed as a prestigious first step to carving out a new chapter in her career after leaving Corrie.” Kym first appeared on Corrie in a cameo role, playing Michelle Connor, back in 2006. Her popularity with viewers landed her a permanent role on the soap. In February last year, the actress announced that she would be taking a break from the soap.

"When I was lucky enough to be offered four episodes, I could never in my wildest dreams have thought I'd be here 13 years later," she said at the time.

"It's been an incredibly difficult decision but it feels like the right time for me to explore some other roles. But this isn't the last you've heard of Michelle Connor – she'll be back! I can't wait to see what the writers have in store for the future."