Kym Marsh is joining the cast of Elf and will tour UK in first job since quitting Coronation Street
The soap actress is set to star in the iconic musical and will tour the country
KYM Marsh is set to join the cast of West End and Broadway musical, Elf, in what will be her first job since leaving Coronation Street.
Former Hear'Say singer Kym revealed earlier this month that she was leaving the long-running ITV soap after 13 years to spend time with her grandson.
The revealed Kym will play Buddy the Elf's girlfriend, Jovie, in the hit show.
Based on the much-loved Christmas film by the same name, she will star alongside actor Tam Ryan as Buddy, and Shaun Williamson as Buddy's dad Walter Hobbs.
Kym said of her new role: "I am delighted to be getting back on stage and joining the cast of Elf this December.
"Elf is an iconic Christmas film and having seen the musical myself last year I am very excited to be part of this fun and heart-warming family show."
Shaun, better known as 'Barry from EastEnders', added: “I am thrilled to be teaming up with Kym, Tam and the rest of this hugely talented cast to bring Elf to the big stage this December.”
The 42-year-old star revealed that it felt like the right time to "spread her wings" when she announced she'd packed in her role as Bistro boss Michelle Connor.
She said: "I’ve loved every minute of working there and I’ve made some great friends at work but now feels like the right time for me to take a break and spread my wings."
Kym, who began her career on ITV show Popstars, dismissed any ideas that she would be going back to her roots of reality TV.
She said: "There were reports that I was going to appear in the next series of Strictly or I’m A Celeb… As wonderful as those shows are, I’m not leaving Corrie after thirteen years to do reality TV."
The Sun exclusively told how the mum-of-three was walking away from the Street after 13 years and is set to "make a million" in lucrative deals.
The actress – who earns a six-figure salary on the cobbles – will now be free to take on advertising work as well as other highly-paid acting jobs such as panto, telly dramas and reality TV.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.