Liam Payne's family is reportedly blindsided by this decision, as they were still in discussions about the show's direction and had not given final approval.

The 41-year-old actress, who plays Sonia Fowler, said she is "extremely sad" but also "very excited" to leave the BBC soap.

Trafigura and Mike Wainwright convicted in Swiss court for bribery, with the company fined and ordered to pay compensation.