Who’s leaving Coronation Street in 2024? There’s at least one sad death coming up as we know the end is near for Paul Foreman. But is anyone else off?
And how about returnees and newcomers? Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna has just revealed she has an upcoming role on the cobbles. So who is she playing?
It’s been revealednow that Nicky Wheatley will also be returning to the cobbles – so what brings her back?
There’s lots going on this year – here’s everything we know so far.
Who’s leaving Coronation Street in 2024?
Paul’s exit will be heartbreaking (Credit: ITV)
Paul Foreman
In 2023 Paul Foreman was heartbreakingly diagnosed with motor neurone disease. After an injury to his hand needed further investigation, Paul received the devastating news he has the incurable disease.
Coronation Street is working with the MND Association to explore the challenges Paul will face as he deals with this devastating news. Paul actor Peter Ash has opened up about his storyline.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement causing muscles to stop working. Sufferers are locked in their body, however, the senses are not usually affected. Eventually those with MND won’t be able to move, talk or breathe, and 80 per cent of sufferers will lose their voice.
There is no cure for the illness and as a result a third of people diagnosed sadly die within a year. More than half only live for two years after diagnosis.
We have already seen Paul lose the use of his legs and get a wheelchair, and then a persistent cough has caused the distressing news Paul only has six months to live. With that news, Paul made the decision to end his own life when the time came rather than lose complete control.
As the illness progresses it will inevitably lead to an exit for Paul. Although it has not been confirmed when he will leave, Peter has spoken about his sadness over the departure.
“I’ll be sad to leave but I am also quite happy to be involved in such a powerful storyline,” he said.
Lisa George has reportedly quit the soap (Credit: ITV)
Beth Tinker
The Sun reported last year that Beth Tinker actress Lisa George is leaving the soap after 13 years. It said her final scenes would air in the summer of 2024.
A source said: “Lisa has been on Corrie for a long time and she’s had some great storylines.
“She’s become a firm fan favourite with her comedy scenes but has had viewers sobbing in heartbreaking plots like Sinead’s death.
“She loves Corrie and it’s in her bones but she feels now is the right time to move on and take on new challenges.”
Earlier in 2023 there were claims Lisa was leaving her role, speculation which she seemingly put to bed during an interview with The Mirror at the Pride of Britain Awards in October.
“I’ve got a new contract,” she told them. “It’s really weird, everyone was saying you’re leaving, you’re leaving. I was asked about my contract and I said I was waiting, and so they asked what I’d like to do if I didn’t get one and I said Call The Midwife. That’s all I said it was a passing comment then the next thing, everyone is ringing me like, ‘you’re leaving, you’re leaving’.
“I was like no, what’s all this, no, I don’t know anything about it.”
When the latest reports came out, Lisa posted a new cast card image to her social media. She then responded to a comment expressing sadness she was leaving to say: “I haven’t left – I’m back in tomorrow.”
It’s unclear whether this meant she hasn’t left yet or isn’t leaving at all.
Entertainment Daily has reached out to ITV for comment.
Who else is leaving Coronation Street in 2024?
Alex Bain on Coronation Street playing Simon Barlow (Credit: ITV)
Simon Barlow
Alex Bain, who has played Simon Barlow for 15 years, has quit the ITV soap, it was reported over Christmas.
The 22-year-old actor has been in the ITV soap since he was seven years old. However, he is expected to depart with an explosive storyline this summer.
A source claimed to The Sun: “Alex is sad to be leaving Coronation Street because it really is like a family. But he realises that the time is right to move on.”
They went on to add: “He’s very excited about the future and other opportunities.”
Harvey has been back causing trouble again (Credit: ITV)
Harvey Gaskell
Will Mellor has once again been playing villainous Harvey Gaskell as he continues to pull strings from behind bars.
It was Adam’s fault he was brought back into the lives of those on the Street when he visited Harvey and struck a deal to get rid of Damon. Adam wanted Harvey’s brother gone for good and Harvey agreed to do it – if Adam got him out of prison.
Someone was then found to take the blame for Natasha’s murder, but Adam got an attack of conscience and instead handed everything over to the police. Fuming Harvey then sent a car to mow down Bethany and Sarah to teach Adam a lesson. Adam jumped in front of the vehicle, but survived.
Meanwhile, Damon called Harvey and warned him to back off Sarah and Bethany. Harvey agreed – as long as Damon does a job for him. And now Damon wants half to cash from the job so he can buy Sarah her dream house.
It’s all likely to end in tears for someone, but what we do know is Harvey will be off again. Will confirmed to OK! back in February that he has already filmed his final scenes.
Mason has been charged (Credit: ITV)
Is Mason Radcliffe leaving Coronation Street?
Ever since Mason Radcliffe, played by Luca Toolan, arrived in Weatherfield, he’s been making life hell for poor Liam Connor. Dylan was scared into joining in too, but then Mason set him up to be caught with a knife and Dylan realised who his true friends were.
Dylan finally turned on Mason and told the police everything. It was enough for Mason to be charged.
On Monday March 11, Gary and Maria discovered that Mason had been charged with threatening with a bladed article in a public space. The offence is serious enough that he’s likely to get a custodial sentence. This has left many fans questioning if that’s the last we’ve seen of Mason.
“Is this really the last we’ll see of Mason?” queried on on X. Another asked: “Wait did we not get to see Mason’s last scenes?”
“I really hope we’re not being robbed of seeing Mason’s downfall on screen,” added one more.
Coronation Street is staying tight-lipped about what happens next, but they did confirm to Entertainment Daily this is not the last we have seen of Mason.
So what will happen next? Will he get away with his crimes and become a reformed character? Or will we see him go to prison and leave the show?
Who’s returning to Coronation Street in 2024?
Daniel visits an old face in the coming weeks (Credit: ITV)
Nicky Wheatley
Kimberly Hart Simpson is reprising her role as Nicky Wheatley. Old flame Daniel Osbourne will track her down as he fights to prove his innocence over missing Lauren Bolton.
He hopes Nicky can help after she previously worked as an escort. In fact, that was how she and Daniel met when he paid her to dress in wife Sinead’s clothes after her tragic death from cancer.
Nicky is now an outreach worker in the community. Daniel hopes she might be able to get information on Lauren’s disappearance from the girls she works with on the streets.
Although Nicky is determined to help him, the girls are scared. Can she encourage them to be open with Daniel and help him clear his name?
Kimberly has spoken about returning as Nicky. She said: “It’s been four years since we first met Nicky and it is once again a pleasure to be back on the cobbles. Stories surrounding women within the sex industry have often been forgotten, shamed or unspoken. But not at Coronation Street, they respectfully explore the world these women live in, the impact it has on the community and at some points dangers attached to the work.
“The story of Lauren Bolton has allowed the safety of other characters to come forward such as Cassie but unfortunately led to the devastating effects of conspiracy theories by other folk. Nicky has fought against all stereotypes and I am looking forward to the audience finding out who and where she is today.”
Is Tracy coming back? (Credit: ITV)
Tracy McDonald drives off to sunny Spain
On Tuesday April 2, Tracy McDonald left miserable Weatherfield for a new life in Spain with lover Tommy Orpington. She left behind her family, her estranged husband Steve and her flower shop.
But has she really gone for good?
Although Coronation Street are remaining tight-lipped about the future of Tracy, this seems like a very quiet exit for such a show legend! Will this really be the last we see of her? Or will she return from Spain before too long with her tail between her legs?
Tommy certainly doesn’t have a trustworthy reputation, so is her happy ending just too good to be true?
Former Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna has revealed she is joining the cobbles soon. She will play Rebecca and will be on screens within the next few weeks.
The actress is best-known for playing Carmel McQueen in Hollyoaks who died after a train crash.
Gemma posted a picture to her Instagram account of her outside the Rovers saying it was her “dream job”.
She added: “Can you believe it?! I’ve wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl. Being born and bred in Manchester, it’s truly a dream come true for me.
“It’s been on my vision board for over 10 years, and finally, I got the chance to walk the cobbles. I can’t even believe I’m writing this.”
According to Metro.co.uk Rebecca is set to be a new love-interest for Adam Barlow. However she is only due to appear in a handful of episodes as the storyline is a short one.
Joel’s parents could fill in the character gaps (Credit: ITV)
Mr and Mrs Deering
Joel Deering, played by Callum Lil, has recently been kicked to the kerb by Dee-Dee Bailey after failing to tell her about his wife and daughter. However it’s not the last we’ve seen of him.
Callum recently revealed to Entertainment Daily and other media that his parents are on their way to the cobbles.
He said: “It’s kind of the the middle child of a middle class family. And he’s probably navigating that and trying to be good enough. I’m looking forward to [seeing that] play out and see[ing] how that unfolds.”
