Coronation Street stars who are leaving soap in 2025 – and the reason behind it

Coronation Street fans are set for a year of upheaval as some of the soap’s biggest stars bid farewell to the cobbles of Weatherfield.

Amid rumours of backstage drama and a “crisis” at ITV’s Coronation Street, here’s a rundown of the most significant departures of 2025 so far, along with details on other exits:

After 25 years, Sue Cleaver is saying goodbye to her role as Eileen Grimshaw. Known for her sharp wit, sarcasm and dramatic family dramas, Eileen has been a staple of Weatherfield.

Speaking about her departure, Sue said: “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.”

Eileen’s exit storyline will revolve around the return of her sister Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh), which promises to deliver both laughs and tears as she unveils a family secret that leaves Eileen stunned.

“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”, said Sue.(Image: SCU)

Shelley King is leaving her role as Yasmeen Nazir after eleven years on the show. Her character’s journey has captivated fans over recent years – particularly her storyline about coercive control and domestic abuse, which received widespread praise.

Her departure is scheduled to air in March, and will see Yasmeen leave Weatherfield for a fresh start. Regarding Shelley’s decision to leave, insiders told The Sun: “This will be another blow for fans of the show, as Yasmeen is a much-loved character who’s part of the fabric of Corrie. She’s had some huge storylines since she joined the soap in 2014, and she’ll be sorely missed by cast and crew. It’s understood she is leaving so she can explore other projects.”

After a 14-year stint, Colson Smith is bidding farewell to his character Craig Tinker, the beloved police officer of Weatherfield. Initially introduced as a comedic character, Craig evolved into a reliable figure, often embroiled in the soap’s major crime and justice storylines.

Insiders told The Sun: “This will be another blow for fans of the show, as Yasmeen is a much-loved character who’s part of the fabric of Corrie.”(Image: ITV)

While the details of Craig’s exit storyline remain a secret, Colson announced his departure saying: “I’ve loved every single second of my stay on the greatest street in the world. This is just the end of the beginning for me.”

Introduced in 2020, Daisy Midgeley quickly won over fans with her sharp wit and complicated love life. Now, Charlotte Jordan’s exit is linked to an explosive plot involving the return of her estranged mother, Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins) – as their troubled relationship will climax in a shocking twist.

“After a brilliant four years for Daisy, its time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities”, Charlotte shared about her decision to leave.

“I’ve loved every single second of my stay on the greatest street in the world. This is just the end of the beginning for me”, shared Colson.

Sue Devaney’s character, Debbie Webster, will exit the show following a poignant dementia storyline. Debbie first appeared on the cobbles in 1984, living at No. 11 Coronation Street for six months before her dad Bill (Peter Armitage) sold up and moved to Southampton with his new wife.

The star didn’t make a return to the screen until 2019. Now, she’s reportedly ‘furious’ with the decision of the soap bosses to end her character after four decades.

Speaking about the final farewell, insiders told Metro: “It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline”.

“Bethany’s storyline has been a joy to play, and I look forward to returning to the cobbles when the time is right”, said Lucy about her hiatus.

Lucy Fallon is set to take a temporary break from Weatherfield as she goes on maternity leave. Bethany Platt’s exit will see her land her dream job at a magazine in London.

However, her departure is made complex by her partner Daniel Osbourne’s infidelity and Daisy Midgeley’s secret pregnancy. In her exit (or hiatus) storyline, Bethany discovers Daisy’s pregnancy but assumes the father is someone else. Her heartbreak over Daniel’s betrayal fuels her decision to leave Weatherfield.

Speaking about her time on the soap, Lucy enthused: “Bethany’s storyline has been a joy to play, and I look forward to returning to the cobbles when the time is right.”

“It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight”, said insiders of Sue’s departure.

Other departures set to happen in 2025 include:. Paddy Beaver (Max Turner): Max’s journey ends in spring 2025, with Paddy choosing to explore new opportunities after a dramatic storyline.

Luca Toolan (Mason Radcliffe): Mason was tragically attacked and stabbed by his siblings after he revealed they were responsible for the death of DS Swain’s partner. Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer): Evelyn is taking a brief break to focus on her law studies.Along with more.

With the significant departures came rumours of a crisis behind the scenes, which insiders have vehemently denied, hinting at major plot twists, fresh faces and thrilling happenings to keep the cobbles buzzing.