Collins: I'm not quitting Corrie

Michelle Collins has rubbished reports that said she is planning to leave Coronation Street.

The actress - who has been playing Rovers landlady Stella Price since last year - has just signed up to stay on the soap for another year, but was rumoured to be set to quit Weatherfield in 2013 to spend more time with her 15-year-old daughter Maia.

But the 51-year-old - whose northern accent has been criticised since she arrived on the cobbles - said she is "very happy working on Coronation Street" and has "no plans to leave the show".

"I have recently signed a new contract for another 12 months and have not said I'm planning to leave the show after that time," she said.

"I'm really enjoying playing Stella and have made some firm friends on the cast. There are a lot of exciting storylines in the pipeline for Stella, including the recent casting of Sue Johnston as her mum, and I'm relishing the chance to be part of such an amazing show."

A Corrie spokeswoman said: "Michelle recently signed a new one year contract and it is far too early to talk about 2013 at this stage."