Kym Marsh, 48, breaks social media cover after QUITTING long-running BBC show amid split from ‘toyboy’ boyfriend
Kym Marsh has returned to social media with a heartfelt post after reports emerged claiming she’d quit her role on BBC’s Waterloo Road.
The actress, who plays canteen worker Nicky Walters, has reportedly already filmed her final scenes for the popular school drama and is said to have made the decision as part of a lifestyle overhaul.
Sources close to the star claimed she informed bosses before filming began that the current series would be her last.
The 48-year-old’s departure comes as she approaches her milestone 50th birthday next year.
While neither Marsh nor the BBC has publicly addressed reports of her exit, the actress did return to Instagram late on Thursday with a personal post after the news emerged.
Marsh broke cover amid the reports with a post dedicated to her mother, sharing a selfie with her parent on the social media site.
She wrote in the accompanying caption: “Happy birthday to the most amazing mum in the world! @marshyswife you are incredible.
“I am so lucky to be your daughter. I know the last few years have been so hard for you, the hardest of your life, but you are so strong it’s untrue.
“You have no idea just how wonderful you are. I am so proud of you. Today mum I celebrate you. Amazing, beautiful, glorious you! Happy birthday mum I love you always and forever,” she signed off followed by a series of love heart emojis.
Before long, the comments of the post were flooded by followers wishing Marsh’s mum a happy birthday, with the star avoiding any mention of Waterloo Road.
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Marsh has been a key cast member since Waterloo Road was revived in 2023, with her character featuring in several significant storylines.
During her time on the show, Nicky Walters has dealt with poverty issues, her son Preston’s eating disorder, and her daughter Tonya’s endometriosis diagnosis.
She also developed a relationship with Donte Charles, played by Adam Thomas, making her character central to the drama.
Waterloo Road marked Marsh’s return to screen acting after leaving Coronation Street in 2019.
The decision to leave the show is reportedly part of Marsh’s desire to embrace a new chapter in her life as she approaches her 50th birthday.
“Kym is in a new chapter of her life. She’s heading towards 50 and wants to try as many new things as she can,” a source told The Sun.
The actress is said to be keen to explore fresh opportunities and take on exciting new projects as she enters this milestone decade.
Her exit follows her recent split from boyfriend Samuel Thomas, who is approximately 19 years her junior.
The pair met while working on 101 Dalmatians: The Musical and reportedly had a whirlwind six-month romance before separating before Christmas.
“One of the reasons she dumped Samuel was because she just wanted to have some fun and see where her work takes her,” the source explained.
Marsh is reportedly “enjoying her freedom” as she focuses on her career and family life.
Since leaving Coronation Street, Marsh has diversified her career, becoming a regular presenter on BBC’s Morning Live alongside Gethin Jones.
She also hosts a travel show on Channel 5 with Richard Arnold, adding to her growing portfolio of presenting work.
“She’s already got a busy work and family life and is very much enjoying her freedom and being able to take on exciting new projects wherever they may take her,” the source added.
Marsh’s career began in the music industry as part of Hear’Say before she transitioned to acting, most notably playing Michelle Connor on Coronation Street from 2006 to 2019.
The actress hasn’t ruled out a potential return to the cobbles, previously telling Metro: “I’d never say never to going back as I absolutely adore Coronation Street and I had some of my best years there.”
Her Waterloo Road exit comes shortly after comedian Jason Manford also quit the drama, dealing a double blow to the show’s producers.
The BBC has not yet commented on how the character will be written out.