Triple Coronation Street exit confirmed as TV expert says 'it's the nature of soaps'

Coronation Street fans are set for a shake-up as three of the soap's stars have announced their departure in 2025.

Sue Cleaver, Colson Smith, and Charlotte Jordan are all set to bid farewell to the long-standing ITV drama.The news was revealed by Sharon Marshall during an episode of This Morning, hosted by Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, on January 8.

Returning to the daytime show for the first time in 2025, Sharon provided viewers with a recap of the recent happenings in Weatherfield, Walford, and Emmerdale. Discussing the Coronation Street departures, she said: "I was gutted. I've known for a while but Sue Cleaver is leaving. Unfortunately, they don't allow you to lock people in the set. It's kind of illegal."

She added that after a 25-year stint on the show, Sue is keen to explore new opportunities, but her exit will leave the door open for a potential return. Sharon also confirmed the departures of Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker, and Charlotte Jordan, who portrays Daisy Midgeley, saying: "Sadly, we're also going to be losing Craig Tinker [played by Colson Smith]. He didn't solve much crime but he was such a lovely lad and the lovely Daisy Midgeley [Charlotte Jordan] as well. It's the nature of soaps, lots of people leave as new people and new faces come in."

The announcement of Sue's departure has sparked speculation among fans about the future of her character Eileen Grimshaw on the cobbled streets of Weatherfield, reports Lancs Live.

Avid Coronation Street fans have taken to social media, including a dedicated Facebook group, to debate the exit of fan-favourite Sue from the show.

Opinions were mixed, as one fan lamented Eileen's diminishing role on the soap: "She's more just of a background character now, Eileen's not had a storyline in years. Still gutted though."

The rumour mill is churning with viewers anticipating her possible departure storyline. One viewer hypothesised: "I think she will split up with George and go live with Jason in Thailand."

Another supporter expressed their thoughts on the character's future by saying: "I've been thinking for a while that they will split up."

Yet another fan is hopeful, expressing: "Same but I hope George doesn't leave as well!".

At present, Eileen, portrayed by actress Sue Cleaver, is involved in an on-screen romance with George Shuttleworth, brought to life by actor Tony Maudsley. Eileen's son Jason, whom Ryan Thomas played, left the famed cobbles six years ago to start anew overseas after a 16-year stint on the series.

Coronation Street is on ITV at 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and available to stream from 7am on ITVX