Coronation Street star addresses Maureen Lipman exit from Evelyn role

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney has spoken out about Maureen Lipman’s exit from the ITV soap. The legendary actress, 78, has been a regular cast member in the long-running soap since 2018, but will only appear on a recurring basis moving forward. Her exit story saw her depart for a university law course, prompted by best pal Roy Cropper (David Neilson).

Maureen revealed that the reason behind her contract change was in order to ‘have a bit of a life.’. Despite departing for pastures new at the beginning of January, she returned just weeks later to scorn Claire’s character Cassie for moving in with the iconic Ken Barlow (William Roache). Cassie has been working as Ken’s carer for a number of months, but has been drugging him to ensure he remains dependant on her.

Exclusively speaking about the story with Metro at last night’s TV Choice awards, Claire said: ‘I’m currently poisoning Ken Barlow. I’m snogging Steve McDonald now and then, and I’m having the odd scrap with Tracy Barlow on the cobbles. ‘There’s never a dull moment for Cassie. I love Corrie and I’m so proud to be a part of it. It’s an institution, isn’t it?. ‘I’ve watched it since I was a kid and to suddenly be in it, working with people like Bill Roache and Maureen Lipman, Simon Gregson and of course my son Alan Halsall, it’s wonderful.’.

She also addressed the upcoming scheduling changes, that will see both Coronation Street and Emmerdale reduced from six to five episodes in a new broadcast pattern dubbed a ‘power hour’ from January 2026. ‘Listen, they know what they’re doing’ she told us. ‘They’ve done it for a reason. I’m sure a lot of research went into the reasons why they’re changing so I think it’s good. ‘All change is good and positive.’.

When asked about the large number of cast members who have departed, or will depart in the coming months, she continued:. ‘[Maureen’s] dipping in and out now. Whenever she goes, we had a few drinks with her the other day and we were like: “You’ll be back, we’ll see you soon.”. ‘She goes off to do a play or whatever she’s doing but hopefully she’ll be back.’. 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.