Coronation Street set for major cast cull as 'unexpected' characters to be axed

Coronation Street’s new executive producer Kate Brooks has teased major shake-ups on the cobbles, promising shock exits and dramatic returns in the coming months.

In a bold move, Kate, who took over the reins after a successful stint at Emmerdale, has revealed her ambitious plans to revamp Weatherfield with jaw-dropping twists, comebacks, and new arrivals.

"There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves," Kate told The Sun. "People might not expect the exits, but there are a few."

While fans will be bracing themselves for emotional or shocking farewells, Kate is also focusing on bringing back familiar faces and introducing fresh characters to shake up the Street.

Among the headline-grabbing returns is villain Rob Donovan, who is set to re-enter the fold, turning lives upside down. His comeback promises to reignite tensions with sister Carla and complicate her budding relationship with Lisa Swain.

Kate revealed that Rob comes back to the show presenting himself as a reformed character after his stint in prison. But that soon becomes dubious.

"He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa... So, it’s a big story for them and a big story for Rob. Lots of twists and turns."

Kate also confirmed the arrival of a previously unseen character from one of Coronation Street’s most beloved families. Kevin and Debbie Webster’s long-lost brother Carl will finally make his debut, expanding the Webster clan.

"We’ve got Carl Webster coming into the show, who is Debbie and Kevin’s brother, to build up that Webster clan," Kate added, before revealing that "big stories" are also in the works for Debbie and Kevin building up "the Websters, Barlows, and Platts" who are the big clans.

Kevin’s storyline will take a poignant turn as he faces a testicular cancer diagnosis, marking one of the year’s most emotional arcs.

Kate also teased a host of new faces, a devastating house fire, and a harrowing knife crime storyline that will unfold in the first months of the year.

Meanwhile, Helen Worth, the beloved actress who plays Gail Platt, left the soap after an incredible five-decade tenure. Helen said an emotional goodbye as Gail departed Weatherfield in tonight's tear-jerking episode.

Gail found her happily ever after and left the Cobbles, having tied the knot with Jesse Chadwick, whom she reconnected with overseas.

The episode saw Gail haunted by a nightmare featuring her deceased villainous ex-husband Richard Hillman, but she remained undeterred in her decision to marry Jesse and start anew in France.

As Gail drove off to begin her new chapter, the tears shed by the Platt family were genuine, mirroring the cast's sentiments as Helen exited her iconic role after a remarkable fifty years on our screens.