Charlotte Jordan has become the latest ITV star to quit Coronation Street, with an explosive exit tipped for her beloved character Daisy Midgeley.
In a huge blow to fans, the actress will leave after a dramatic four years in the soap, explaining that she wants to ‘explore other opportunities.’
Charlotte is the sixth cast member to depart the cobbles in a very short space of time, with Helen Worth’s Gail Platt being the first in a chain as the legend said goodbye after a staggering 50 years.
Since then, another long-standing stalwart has announced her plans to go, as Sue Cleaver is leaving Eileen Grimshaw behind after sporadic appearances across the year.
Meanwhile, Colson Smith confirmed this week he was being written out as Craig Tinker after four years – on the same day that Luca Toolan’s Mason Radcliffe was killed off on screen.
And Metro recently revealed that Sue Devaney’s Debbie Webster will depart through a long-running storyline that sees the iconic character diagnosed with dementia.
The latter announcement has been met with uproar from fans, with many signing an online petition to try and save her.
Discussing her decision, Charlotte Jordan said in a statement: ‘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.
‘It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.
‘After a brilliant four years for Daisy it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.’
A source added to The Sun: ‘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.’
Details of her exit storyline have yet to be confirmed, though given how central she has been to the show, it’s unlikely she will leave quietly.
Coronation Street cast exits - who is going?
Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster
Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.
A source 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.
‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’
Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw
Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.
She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘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.'
Colson Smith as Craig Tinker
After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.
He said: '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 just the end of the beginning.
'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!'
Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley
After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.
She said in a statement: '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.
'It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.'
Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe
After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles - and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.
Metro understands that she won't be killed off.
A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Paddy Bever as Max Turner
With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.
Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
Her most publicised storyline saw her targeted in an acid attack that ended up hitting Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott).
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The harrowing but award-winning scenes won Charlotte and Ryan huge acclaim.
At the moment, she is central in a love quadrangle involving Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) and Kit Green (Jacob Roberts).
And the character has recently been shocked to discover that she is pregnant, leaving fans pondering who could be the dad.
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