Coronation Street actress Kym Ryder is thrilled after nearly doubling her salary to £100,000.

The former pop star, who has played barmaid Michelle Connor since 2006, has negotiated a bumper pay pack with soap bosses, which includes flexible working hours so she can spend time with her two children.

The ex-Hear'Say singer, 32, has signed a one year, £100,000 contract - a huge jump from her current £60,000 salary.

Payday: Kym Marsh, pictured celebrating her birthday last weekend, is set to receive a £100,000 salary

A friend of Kym tells the Mirror: 'Kym loves Corrie.

'When producers offered a new contract and more money, she didn't hesitate. They promised her character will have more big storylines.'

Kym was especially keen to spend more time with her chidlren David, 12; and Emily, 10; since she split from their stepfather Jack Ryder earlier this year.

The pal added: 'Kym has been trying to spend as much time as she can with her kids.

'The break-up was amicable and Jack will carry on seeing them, but she wants to be around for them.'

On the cobbles: Kym Marsh as Michelle Connor outside her home and place of work Rovers Return Inn

Kym leaped to fame in 2001 when she appeared on TV talent show Popstars and was chosen to be in Hear'Say.

Just a year into the group, Kym quit to start her own solo career.

After failing to achieve solo success, Kym turned her attentions to acting and landed a role in late-night Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks: In The City.

Since joining the show two years ago, Kym has quickly established herself as one of the most popular stars on the cobbles of Weatherfield and is a regular winner at award ceremonies.

This year alone, Kym has already picked up accolades for Favourite Female Soap Star (TVNow Awards), TV Soap Personality (TRIC Awards), Best Actress (Daily Star Soaper Awards) and Tesco Celebrity Mum Of The Year.

Family time: Kym Marsh wants to spend more time with her children David and Emily