Marsh: My loyalties lie with Corrie

Kym Marsh has declared her loyalty to Coronation Street.

Earlier this year the actress - who plays barmaid Michelle Connor - said she had "no idea" if she would be staying on the soap when her contract ran out in June 2012.

But Kym appeared to confirm she had signed a new deal when she told Soaplife magazine: "I've been here six years now and my loyalties lie with the show. I love it. I enjoy being part of such a great cast.

"I like that it's a tightly-run ship and it keeps me near my home, which is important."

Earlier this month it was revealed Sol Heras had signed up to play Michelle's son Ryan when he returns to the street later this year.

Kym - whose character split up from Ciaran McCarthy, played by Keith Duffy, when he left the cobbles last year - also called for more romance for Michelle.

She said: "I loved working with Keith Duffy who played him, and I felt that Ciaran and Michelle went really well together. I'm hoping Keith might be back at some point.

"I think it's about time she had a new romance. It's been a while since Ciaran left."