In July 2013, King spoke of her future on "Coronation Street", saying "I don't know whether I'll be here forever - I'd love to have a go at different things, like an action drama or love story. But as long as I'm happy in the role and the producers will have me, I'll be staying put for now." In May 2015, it was announced she would be taking an extended break from "Coronation Street" to pursue other projects. However, in January 2016, it was confirmed that the departure would be permanent. She spoke to "RadioTimes" of her reason to leave: "I've probably only ever done about 20 pick-ups or drop-offs in all the time my daughter's been at school, which is quite sad. And creatively, I miss being other people. It's what I went to drama school for. I love playing diverse characters and meeting new people. And, truthfully, I also want to be able to get my voiceover career going again. There's all sorts of things that I used to do, which I can't do while I'm on "Coronation Street". So, those are the reasons, really." Her departure aired on 26 May 2016. Of her leaving she said: "These are my best friends and I love them very much. I'll miss them all and being with them, you know, the cast and crew and production, they're my family." She later confessed that she blames "Coronation Street" for "destroying her feet and shattering her vocal chords", regretting that she agreed to portray Carla Connor for 10 years with a gravelly voice and high heels. She said ""Coronation Street" ruined my body."