Coronation Street is set for a shake-up this year, with several departures already confirmed and more rumoured. Soap boss Kate Brooks has hinted at multiple exits in the coming weeks and months.
Speaking a few weeks ago, she suggested that fans might be taken aback by some of the characters leaving. While she didn’t disclose any names, there have been several announcements since then.
In recent weeks, an iconic character has left the show permanently, and another was tragically killed off. Upcoming spoilers hint at more heartbreak and potential departures, with a stunt, a trial, and possible retribution on the horizon, reports the Mirror.
So, who’s recently left and who else is heading for the exit?
Here’s a rundown of all the confirmed and speculated departures, including those who have been written out of the ITV soap…
Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster
It was revealed weeks ago that Debbie would be diagnosed with dementia in a heartbreaking storyline on the ITV soap. Although it will be a long-running plot, it is expected to conclude with actress Sue’s departure as Debbie passes away.
The timeline for her diagnosis and the unfolding of this storyline has not been confirmed yet. A source recently shared with The Mirror about Sue’s approach to the devastating plot: “Sue is a total professional and is already putting her all into what she sees as hugely important long running storyline. She saw the positive impact of the MND storyline and hopes that her dementia story can have the same effect and raise awareness of the condition.”
Colson Smith – Craig Tinker
Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker, has been written out of the soap after a 14-year stint. Colson announced his departure on social media this week in a statement reading: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me. Long live the cobbles! “.
Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley
The most recent exit announcement is Daisy Midgeley, portrayed by Charlotte Jordan, after four years on the show. This news comes as her character is embroiled in a shocking pregnancy twist.
Daisy discovered she was pregnant over the festive period without knowledge of who the father is – whether it’s Kit Green or Daniel Osbourne. It has been reported that viewers can expect to see Daisy’s exit from the show later this year, with Charlotte sharing: “My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish. After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.”
An insider leaked to The Sun that “Charlotte has loved her time on the cobbles but is young, ambitious and hungry to see what else is out there for her. She told bosses last April that her next contract would be her last, giving them a year to craft an exciting exit storyline. She’s still filming now and her final scenes will play out in early summer. She’s adored by cast and crew and will be hugely missed.”
Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw
Sue Cleaver, AKA the iconic Eileen Grimshaw, has signalled her departure from the popular soap. Over the past few years, Sue has taken various hiatuses but it seems she’s set to leave for good this time.
Embracing a new phase of life as she turns 60, former I’m A Celeb star Sue stated to the press: “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.”
Explaining her decision, she added: “The door is still firmly open but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”
Meanwhile, Sue reflected on her time on the series saying that although she has “adored” it, she feels the urge to pursue different projects.
Corrie’s head Kate Oates released a heartfelt statement paying tribute to the soap veteran: “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver. Over the past twenty five years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her onscreen rivalry with Gail Platt will undoubtedly go down in Corrie folklore.”
Kate further praised Cleaver’s unique presence on the show, saying: “There’s certainly no one quite like Eileen, and her character will be hugely missed on the Cobbles. We wish Sue all the very best as she embarks on her next exciting chapter.”
Lucy Fallon – Bethany Platt
Lucy Fallon, known for her portrayal of Bethany Platt, appears set for a temporary absence from the soap as she takes maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child. Teasers suggest a potential plot twist could see Bethany relocating to London, setting up what may be her exit from the storyline.
Though Lucy’s departure isn’t seen as permanent, it is expected that she will not feature on screens for a spell this year. Further details regarding both her hiatus and how her character bids farewell are anticipated to be disclosed soon.
Maureen Lipman – Evelyn Plummer
Adding to the cast shake ups is Evelyn Plummer, brought to life by the legendary Maureen Lipman. .
The star is taking a temporary break from the show to pursue other projects. Her character will be studying law at university and will become a part-time member of the show upon her return.
Maureen revealed to The Sun: “I’ll be absent for a while and then coming back. I’m not going to die, but then I’ll be in and out of it because I want to have a bit of a life. David and I are thinking of having a bit of a gap year.”
Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe
Luca Toolan, who played Mason Radcliffe, has also left the show after his character was killed off in a devastating knife crime storyline.
Luca said: “Of course when I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving, but equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled. I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.”
Helen Worth – Gail Platt
Coronation Street legend Helen Worth, who played Gail Platt, departed the show for good on Christmas Day after an incredible 50 years.
On her final day on set, an emotional Helen confessed: “The reason I’ve been here all these years, and it’s a lot of years – It’s more than I can think about really, Is because of all of you people that have been here for, well, some of you for all of those fifty years and others for half of that time.
“But I couldn’t have done any of it without you. I really couldn’t. You are the most amazing team of people, and I really do say thank you. And as for this lot, who didn’t tell me (about this). Oh God, I love them so much. I don’t quite know what I’m going to do without you. But thank you for everything.”
Cait Fitton – Lauren Bolton
Another character rumoured to be leaving is Lauren, who is currently awaiting trial for the murder of Joel Deering. She killed her abuser in self-defence after he tried to kill her boyfriend Max Turner.
With her trial starting next week and her expressing fears about her plea, there are concerns that she could face a long prison sentence if found guilty of murder or manslaughter.
Jack P Shepherd – David Platt
David Platt, played by Jack P Shepherd, David is another character speculated to be leaving, as he’s set to face a “downfall”.
Soap boss Kate revealed he would face repercussions for his recent behaviour, and it’s known he’s involved in a major stunt. His actions could result in him losing people or “things” he values, leading to speculation that he might suffer a tragic loss.
Could he end up leaving Weatherfield for good?
Harry Lowbridge and Séamus McGoff – Logan and Matty Radcliffe
In Monday night’s heart-wrenching episode, Mason’s brothers Logan and Matty Radcliffe, portrayed by Harry Lowbridge and Séamus McGoff, were seen brutally attacking and killing the teenager. After Matty beat him, Logan stabbed the character.
In forthcoming scenes, Matty is taken into custody while Logan remains at large. It’s speculated that both brothers will exit the soap in the not-too-distant future.
Given their heinous acts against Mason, it’s impossible for them to remain in Weatherfield.
Sue Nicholls – Audrey Roberts
Soap legend Sue Nicholls, who has played Audrey Roberts for nearly half a century, sparked concern among viewers following Gail’s departure. With her onscreen daughter relocating to France on Christmas Day, fans speculated whether Audrey might also bid farewell to the show, having shared the screen with Gail for decades.
However, Corrie boss Kate recently reassured The Mirror that Audrey continues to be a significant part of the Platts’ storyline, indicating she isn’t going anywhere just yet!
Bill Roache – Ken Barlow
Another stalwart feared to be leaving the cobbles is Ken Barlow, brought to life by Bill Roache. Currently embroiled in a shocking drug plotline involving his carer Cassie Plummer, Ken, the longest-serving character on Corrie, has been the victim of Cassie’s poisoning scheme, leading to a recent hospital visit.
As this storyline unfolds, fans are worried it could signal the end for Ken, who has been a fixture on the show since its inaugural episode in 1960.
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