Street's Shaw 'to stay'

Shaw's screen husband is played by Steven Arnold

Coronation Street bosses are denying reports that actress Tracy Shaw wants to leave the soap.

Shaw, who plays hairdresser Maxine, is reported to have told friends she is considering walking out of the show to have a baby.

But a spokeswoman for the soap said that "was not the case at all".

Shaw has been in the programme since 1995 and has been the centre of a string of storylines.

The Daily Star newspaper reported on Wednesday that the 28-year-old wanted to follow in the footsteps of former Coronation Street stars Sarah Lancashire and Angela Griffin.

Griffin went on to star in BBC One's Holby City

Both actresses have gone onto success since leaving the show with Lancashire, who played barmaid Raquel, reportedly one of the highest earning women on TV.

Shaw is also reported to want a family of her own after marrying freelance TV producer Robert Ashworth last year.

A spokeswoman for Coronation Street said: "I do think this is just speculation. She is contracted to the show until October.

"She has not (given her notice) and we are not aware of any plans for her to leave at all."

Tracy Shaw later said she was bemused by the reports.

Tabloid interest

"I am very happy at Coronation Street and I have not discussed plans to leave in any way, shape or form," she said.

Maxine is currently at the centre of a "who's-the-father" storyline after becoming pregnant while having an affair with Dr Matt Ramsden, played by Stephen Beckett.

Her husband Ashley (Steven Arnold) thinks the baby is his.

Shaw has constantly featured in the tabloid newspapers since joining the soap six years ago.

She was forced to battle anorexia in front of the cameras and now, having conquered the disease, helps women in similar situations.

Shaw was voted the sexiest actress on TV at October's Inside Soap Awards.