Coronation Street viewers were treated to a touching exit as one of the soap's familiar faces bid farewell on Monday night(Image: PA)

Coronation Street star speaks out on exit after 11 years and hints at next career move

11 Mar 2025, 16:12 by Olivia Wheeler · PlymouthLive

Coronation Street viewers were treated to a touching exit as one of the soap's familiar faces bid farewell on Monday night after being part of the show for over a decade.

Shelley King, who plays Yasmeen Nazir, had her character announce her departure to granddaughter Alya when she revealed she'd landed a charity role in London and intended to sell her portion of Weatherfield's Speed Daal restaurant. .

As seen in March 10's emotional episode, Yasmeen finalised the sale of her stake, sharing an emotive goodbye with Alya—a scene that was reflected on Lancs Live.

In response to the heartfelt moment, Coronation Street's official Instagram account paid tribute by sharing a video message from Shelley King herself, affectionately writing: "It's not goodbye, it's farewell #Corrie" and adding expressive emojis.

Corrie's official Instagram page shared a shared a sweet message from Shelley King(Image: Instagram)

The 69-year-old actress shared in the video: "I've been so privileged to be living in number six. I've had the most wonderful time. I'm very sad to be leaving. I just felt I have to try going back to the stage maybe, try to refresh Yasmeen!", reports Leicestershire Live.

She went on to say: "So, as you know, Yas is going to do other things but she will not say goodbye. She will say, as the French do, a bientot, which means, see you soon. Somewhere, somehow."

Shelley also mentioned how honoured she felt about the domestic abuse storyline she was involved with, praising its execution and mentioning the impactful correspondence from fans stating how it provided them help.

Coronation Street's Shelley King expressed her affection for the show, saying: "That's the wonder of Coronation Street and that's why I'm so proud to have been in it this long because there are so many issues that the street can inform on and does so."

Shelley played Yasmeen Nazir for over a decade(Image: ITV)

She concluded her heartfelt message with a fond farewell: "Thank you all for watching, keep watching", and signed off with "Bye bye for now!".

The beloved actress received waves of support from the soap's loyal viewers, as one commented, "All the best for the future Shelley, you will be so missed". Another fan showed their admiration by writing, "All the best, Shelley. I hope Yasmeen doesn't stay away too long" while yet another shared, "We will miss you! All the best for whatever is next".

In addition, praise for Shelley's portrayal of Yasmeen came through another comment: "Shelly you have been amazing at portraying Yasmeen especially during the coercive control storyline you and Yasmeen will be greatly missed Wishing you all the best for the future!".

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