PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Coronation Street's Samia Smith is set to stay in Weatherfield for at least another 12 months, after signing a new contract.
The soap star, who plays hairdresser Maria Connor, has hinted at more thrilling storylines for her character.
"I've just signed up for another year, which is exciting. I think there's going to be lots of drama for her," she told the Manchester Evening News.
Maria will be left with a broken heart after her builder lover Chris Gray (played by Will Thorp) is diagnosed with a brain tumour and leaves with his ex-wife Cheryl (Holly Quin-Ankrah).
But Samia teased: "You'll have to watch out for her love life."
The 29-year-old, who has portrayed Maria for 11 years, has said she has no plans to leave the ITV soap and is satisfied with the challenging storylines.
She said in February: "I don't take it for granted at all. When I see dramas on the telly that I really enjoy watching I have a moment where I think, 'Oh that could be nice', but Corrie's been brilliant and I can't complain at all with the storylines I've been given.
"It's every actor's dream to be given challenging stories so I'm happy there," she added.