'Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby is set to secretly flee Weatherfield with Steve McDonald's unborn child.

Jane Danson

Jane Danson

The blonde businesswoman - who is portrayed by Jane Danson - has no choice but to walk away from the cobbles to start a new life with her unborn baby after the cab driver (Simon Gregson) tells her he doesn't want his wife Michelle (Kym Marsh) finding out about their recent boozy bunk up.

A source explained to Inside Soap magazine: "Leanne is in an impossible situation.

"Steve can't cope with the idea of watching his child grow up across the street from him, while having no part in its life.

"But if he tells Michelle Leanne is having his baby, his marriage is more than likely over for good. Leanne's only option is to start afresh somewhere new, so she can bring up her little one without his huge secret hanging over her."

However, her ex-lover Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) is set to make a last minute dash to the train station to convince her to stay.

The insider said: "It's obvious that he [Nick] still cares very deeply for Leanne and she still has a soft spot for him too. The big question is: Will Leanne tell him that she's pregnant with another man's child? Will it alter his feelings for her?"

Leanne and Steve fell into bed together earlier this year after they had a heart-to-heart over some alcoholic beverages.