Coronation Street cast: New, leaving and returning characters

TWISTS and turns continue to shake things up in the cobbles leading to surprising returns and a shocking departure.

With drama lined-up for the rest of the year in Coronation Street, here’s the lowdown on all the changes in the ITV soap line-up.

ITVChris Gascoyne is leaving the ITV soap in upcoming months[/caption]

Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) – leaving

After more than two decades on our screens, Peter Barlow star Chris Gascoyne is set to leave the cobbles later this year.

It is understood that he will be taking an extended break from life in Weatherfield but the door has been left open for his return.

He will be appearing in the Manchester-based program until the end of the year before departing at an undetermined date.

Earlier this year, Chris was cast in a stage production of Peter Pan as Captain Hook, a role he will be playing at the Alban Arena during the Christmas and New Year period.

On-screen, tension is building up for Peter as he became involved in Stephen Reid’s serial killer storyline by selling off one of Rufus Donahue’s belongings following his murder.

Could he be framed for Stephen’s crimes?

ITVLucy Fallon is coming back to Corrie[/caption]

Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) – returning

While her on-screen mother Sarah Platt is recovering from her shocking miscarriage, Bethany Platt has been confirmed to return to Weatherfield in upcoming months.

Actress Lucy Fallon will reprise her role after three years of absence and left the show when her character moved away to London for a new career opportunity.

Her exit left a grieving Daniel Osbourne heartbroken but he has since moved on with Rovers barmaid Daisy Midgeley.

Bethany is said to be returning to the cobbles this winter with a source telling The Sun: “Bosses reached out to her a few weeks ago about the possibility of coming back, and told her everything they’d planned for Bethany if she agreed.”

“She discussed it with her boyfriend, and family, because she’s a mum now with a baby.”

“Once they’d talked about childcare, and how best to juggle it all, she was able to say she’d love to return.”

How will her return play out?

What will it mean for Daniel and Daisy?

ITVSpider left after refusing to give up his job[/caption]

Spider Nugent (Martin Hancock) – left

Martin Hancock reprised his role as the beloved nephew of Emily Bishop in 2022.

During his latest stint in the soap, Geoffrey “Spider” Nugent rekindled his relationship with Toyah Battersby.

The pair were involved in far-right activist Griff Reynolds’ downfall as it was revealed that Spider was working as an undercover copper.

But in a recent storyline aired in July, 2023, Spider’s work put Toyah in danger and she was kidnapped by the wife of a man he had previously arrested.

The relationship hit a wall when Spider refused to leave his job and moved away from Weatherfield for a new assignment.

Speaking about his character’s exit, Martin said: “Life’s gone wrong between them. It’s just bad luck and circumstance.”

“What’s been happening previously in Spider’s life and what’s been happening previously in Toyah’s life have conspired to do them down at the end and it’s sad.”

“They’re both very committed people but, for now, it’s not workable.”

But is it really the end? Martin Hancock shared his own theory.

“I don’t think it’s the end. I don’t think it’s the end of the story. These two will always have a bit of love there… I think he’ll be desperately sad about the way things have ended.”

Could he return?

ITVCassie Plummer will be reunited with her son Tyrone[/caption]

Cassandra Plummer (Claire Sweeney) – joined

Evelyn Plummer (portrayed by Maureen Lipman) claimed her daughter Cassandra, aka Cassie, was dead.

But how will she explain her arrival in the cobbles to her grandson Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall)?

Brookside star Claire Sweeney joined the line-up as the mechanic’s long-lost mother.

Speaking of her arrival, the actress said: “Even though I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed an amazingly varied career for nearly 40 years – being cast in Coronation Street is, to me, better than being cast in a Hollywood movie!”

“I’ve watched it all my life and can’t quite believe that I’ll now be stepping onto those famous cobbles myself.”

“I was really nervous when I got the scripts to audition as this show means so much to me and my family and this is Corrie gold, I was beyond thrilled and very grateful when I got the call that Iain MacLeod is trusting me to play Tyrone’s Mum and work alongside one of my heroes, Dame Maureen Lipman.”

Although Claire Sweeney and Maureen Lipman temporarily left the show, the pair are due to return according to recent spoilers.

Cassie will also be telling Tyrone she’s his mother.

How will he react?

ITVJennie McAlpine will be leaving the cobbles[/caption]

Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine) – returning

The year 2022 ended on a high note for Underworld machinist Fiz Stape as she FINALLY tied the knot with on-off flame Tyrone Dobbs.

But soap legend Jennie McAlpine had some great news of her own off-screen.

The actress recently announced she was expecting her third child with her husband Chris Farr.

“Alan [Halsall aka Tyrone Dobbs] was the first person I told”, she told OK! Magazine.

“I was thinking, ‘I might not be feeling brilliant and if you bring any butter near me I might feel sick’. We’ve been busy, so he’s really looked after me – and the bosses.”

“They all know and they’re all really happy. We might have to start hiding Fiz behind a washing basket again!”

As of January, 2023, the Fiz star was six months pregnant and she left the cobbles in May, 2023.

Serial killer Stephen Reid sent the beloved machinist away to take the helm in Norwich but she will keep in touch with her family during her absence.

It is unknown how long Jennie will be stayibng away from the show but her on-screen alter ego is said to be working away from Weatherfield for six months.

This would mean Jennie McAlpine could potentially reprise her role at the end of this year.

ITVPaul Foreman was diagnosed with MND[/caption]

Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) – leaving

Paul will be killed-off later this year after the character is diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, attacking the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work, often impacting the patient’s senses such as sight, sound and feeling.

The soap is working closely the MND Association on this storyline and will explore the impact of the diagnosis on Paul and his loved ones as his condition progresses.

Actor Peter Ash said: “Paul is completely blindsided by the diagnosis and he decides to keep it from his family and friends as he tries to come to terms with the news.

“I knew very little about MND before embarking on the storyline and I am hugely grateful to the MND Association for all their help and support.

“For any actor playing a role which examines a real life issue or condition there comes a huge sense of responsibility and we are aware that some people watching this storyline are experiencing it in reality, it is their life.

“Awareness and education are really important. I have learned so much even in the short time I have been involved in this storyline. We hope Paul’s journey can make people more aware of the symptoms and what it is like for someone to live with MND.”

GETTY IMAGESHollyoaks’ Ben Hull is joining Coronation Street[/caption]

Owen (Ben Hull) – joined

After her failed romance with Leo Thompkins, Jenny Connor will be kicking off Spring 2023 with a new love interest.

Former Hollyoaks star Ben Hull is joining the Corrie line-up in March as a man named Owen and the Rovers landlady will struggle to remain indifferent.

However, with a murderous Stephen Reid roaming around her, it could be hard for Jenny to form a connection with Owen without him ending up on the businessman’s hit list.

“Smooth-talking Owen will set the cat among the pigeons as the rep for an American company interested in Sarah and Michael’s new business”, a teaser read in Inside Soap.

“But it’s not just loungewear that Owen sets his sights on, once Jenny catches his eye.”

“What’s more, Stephen has invested in Michael and Sarah’s business, and won’t take kindly to someone muscling in on his turf. Is Owen set to give Stephen a run for his money?”

Will Stephen resort to murder again to eradicate his competition?

ITVRuthie is swapping the stage for the tv screen[/caption]

Estelle (Ruthie Henshall) – joined

West End legend Ruthie Henshall is joining the cast of Coronation Street for a guest role as Estelle this Spring.

Described as an old friend of Glenda Shuttleworth – who is played by fellow theatre star Jodie Prenger – Estelle will first be seen having a row with George about the cost of her mother’s funeral, only to bump into Glenda and spend time reminiscing about their past life working on cruise ships together.

According to a spokesperson for the soap: “It’s not long before Estelle is trying to talk Glenda into buying into her theatre school franchise Little Big Shotz, but how will Eileen react when George offers to help his sister with financial backing?”

Henshall herself added: “Getting to act with Jodie was a joy and every member of the cast was welcoming and kind.

“Estelle is delighted to find her old friend Glenda and share a show tune or two to remember times spent entertaining on board cruises.

“I am so excited and delighted to be on the street where so many brilliant actors strut, and have strutted, their stuff.”

Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.