Corrie - Tina O'Brien on leaving the street (video)

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Coronation Street star Tina on her exit
Thursday 1st November

Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien says her need for a change was behind her decision to leave the top soap. Her character, Sarah Platt, will depart for Italy over Christmas and Tina told whatsontv.co.uk at the National TV Awards that she's looking forward to new experiences.

"I've been there for eight years, and eight years in the same job is a long time for anyone... I feel like, even though I might go and do something that's not as successful, at least I'll be doing something different, for myself, so I can do things that make me feel it's a bit new."

But she's made sure she hasn't burnt her bridges - a return at some stage is on her agenda. "It's definitely something that I'd never cross off. I've really enjoyed Coronation Street. I'd be a fool to say that I wouldn't be happy to go back!"

Tina was escorted by off-screen boyfriend Ryan Thomas, who plays her on-screen partner Jason Grimshaw, and he said the couple definitely leave their break-up traumas behind when they're off set...

WATCH VIDEO

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Tina sparkles at Christmas
John Scheerhout
2/12/2007

CORONATION Street star Tina O'Brien has been taking time out from rehearsals for her lead role in Cinderella to pay a visit to Father Christmas. Tina, 24, was opening the new Santa's grotto at Kendals in Manchester. The actress turned up in full costume, ready to get back to rehearsals for Cinderella, which opens at Manchester's Opera House on Saturday.

She said: "I'm really enjoying playing Cinderella. We've done our first proper run through and we've had some kids in and we are starting to gauge their reaction. It feels like we are performing now."

Tina has now left Coronation Street after eight years playing Sarah Platt. Her final scenes in the soap will be screened over Christmas. Speaking about her last day, she said: "It was really sad. Everyone came to say goodbye. Helen Worth (Gail Platt) did a lovely speech and I burst into tears."

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Tina O'Brien's coming back to Coronation Street
By Matthew Acton,
18/07/2009

CORRIE bosses are lining up stunning Tina O'Brien for a sensational return to the Street. We can reveal that the actress could be back on the soap's set in time to film a steamy Christmas storyline with real-life lover Ryan Thomas.

Tina - who left the soap after 11 years as Sarah-Louise Platt - is poised to sign a lucrative deal which would see her return to filming in late autumn, just two years after she quit. The 25-year-old star has already turned down a string of roles - including a huge offer to join I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Last night a Coronation Street insider revealed: "It's the talk of the set. There's a real buzz about the place now that it looks like Tina is returning."

Tina's last appearance in the ITV soap saw her character leave hubby Jason (played by Ryan) for a new life in Italy. The actress planned to put her feet up for a while before taking on new roles. But she became pregnant and gave birth to daughter Scarlett in October last year. Now with the tot fast-approaching her first birthday, the actress has told pals she's ready to get back to work - with Corrie being her top option.

A friend of the couple revealed: "Tina will have devoted a year to little Scarlett when the time arrives that ITV are talking about getting her back on board. She had a big money offer to go on I'm A Celeb . . . but turned it down because she didn't want to leave her girl. She's 90 per cent certain she wants to go back in but wants to be completely sure before she commits herself."

And her arrival back in Weatherfield will set up a sizzling encounter with builder Jason, who has been getting over Sarah's absence by enjoying a string of affairs - including pinching the girlfriend of Sarah's brother David.

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That should set David off on a mad trip of some sort - bring it on!

[pirtybirdy]

I love it, but as I remember back when she left him at the station, she was a right twat. I think those two should just get a divorce and be done with it. I actually like Tina(the character) better than Sarah(the girl she was when she left Jason at the station). Sarah has baggage and she's too immature. Maybe she's changed in Italy. It will be interesting to see if the Corrie bosses change her personality. Excellent all the same though. I'm glad she's back. I'd like to see her hook up with someone else though.