Michelle Collins has said she will take a short break from Coronation Street in the summer so she can spend time with her daughter.
The actress, who plays Rovers Return landlady Stella Price in the soap, wants to be with Maia (pictured) in May when she does her GCSEs.
Michelle, who stays in Manchester during the week to film Coronation Street and returns to her London home at weekends, said: "Of course, as a mum, you feel guilty being away from your child, but at the end of the day, it's a brilliant part to play, and I'm a single mum who has to make her living."
The actress, who split with Maia's Italian father, Fabrizio Tassalini, two years after her birth, said: "I can't wait to see her at weekends and I do live a little bit like a monk when I'm working as I don't really have a social life in Manchester.
"I spend my whole time learning my lines, filming all week - the schedule is pretty full on - and then shove everything into a suitcase and belt back to London for a few days off."
The former EastEnders star, who recently quit smoking, said: "I will take a little break in May to support her when she takes her GCSEs."
Michelle Collins supports the Don't Go Cold Turkey campaign, which is raising awareness among smokers that they are more likely to quit with the help of a healthcare professional. For more information, visit www.dgct.co.uk.
