There’s a fresh blow for Coronation Street fans as acclaimed actress Shelley King has become the latest star to quit the show – and she has already filmed her final scenes.
It is understood that Shelley, who plays Yasmeen Metcalfe, will depart in coming weeks.
The actress has starred in the show for just over a decade, arriving as part of the Nazir family.
Her biggest storyline saw her pull in awards and critical admiration as Yasmeen was coercively and physically abused by her vile husband Geoff.
It lead to some highly emotional and traumatic scenes, which drew huge discussion and publicity.
Geoff died at the end of the plot and Yasmeen would later have a quieter time, focused on running the restaurant.
The actress also wrote a column for Metro’s Pride coverage, detailing her coming out as gay in her 40s.
A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Metro understands that the character won’t be killed off.
A source told The Sun: ‘This will be another blow for fans of the show, as Yasmeen is a much-loved character who’s part of the fabric of Corrie.
‘She’s had some huge storylines since she joined the soap in 2014, and she’ll be sorely missed by cast and crew.’
Shelley is the latest in a long line of stars leaving the show since Helen Worth’s departure as Gail Platt after 50 years.
Sue Cleaver and Charlotte Jordan have been some high profile names to announce they are going.
And actors Sue Devaney and Colson Smith are being written out of the soap too.
It comes after the death of Luca Toolan’s Mason, with Lucy Fallon also due to depart on maternity leave.
However, a guest visit will see Katy Cavanagh return as Eileen’s sister Julie, while the show is bringing in Kevin Webster’s brother and a new family.
