Shobna Gulati quits Coronation Street after playing Sunita for eight years

London: Shobna Gulati is set to bid her final farewell to her ‘Coronation Street’ character Sunita Alahan, after being on and off on the British soap opera for eight years.

Leaving the Street to explore new career opportunities, the 46-year-old actress said that while she will be sad to say goodbye to Sunita, she is looking forward to focusing on comedy work in the future. “I have loved playing Sunita but, having played the role originally from 2001 to 2005 and then returning to Corrie four years ago, I really feel the time has come for me to focus on other aspects of my career,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying in a statement released on the official ITV website. “I had always told myself I would see my son through school, and I have done that. Comedy writing has long been a passion of mine and the commitment to a show like Corrie is huge and doesn’t really leave enough time to concentrate on other projects. I’d love to be able to combine my writing and acting career in the future. “Playing Sunita has been a fabulous opportunity. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her journey and am looking forward with excitement to her dramatic departure. I shall miss her. That said, I have made a host of friends [in the] cast and crew - friendships that will stay with me,” she said. ANI