Coronation Street icon speaks out on 'cast revolt' after wave of soap exits

Coronation Street star Andy Whyment has triggered an outpouring of messages from his co-stars as he spoke out on a run of exits from the show and reports of drama behind the scenes.

The ITV soap has kicked off the year so far with a trail of exits, which actually began in December with the Christmas Day departure of soap icon Helen Worth after the actress made the decision to bow out of the ITV soap having celebrated 50 years of playing Gail Platt.

Sue Cleaver then announced shortly after 2025 began her plans to wave goodbye to Weatherfield after 25 years in the role of Eileen Grimshaw. She said: “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."

More recently, actress Charlotte Jordan has confirmed that she will be bowing out of the ITV soap this year after four years in the role of Daisy Midgeley. The star 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." She added: "It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much."

Confirmation of Charlotte's exit comes after Colson Smith confirmed he was told he is being axed this year as he marks 14 years playing Craig Tinker.

Andy, who is famed for playing Kirk Sutherland on the cobbles, has since taken to social media to address reports about what's going on at Corrie. He wrote on Instagram: "I’d just like to say that the show is not on its knees and there is most certainly not a cast revolt as one article has said. Please don’t believe everything you read, I for at least one cast member am extremely happy and feel very grateful to still be working on Coronation Street."

And his co-stars were quick to respond. Sue posted: "Corrie will always be my family!" DS Lisa Swain star Vicky Myers commented: "Absolutely!! Well said Andy." Sally Carman-Duttine, who plays Abi Webster, shared: "We really do have the best job with the best people don’t we bud. Still pinch myself."

Debbie Webster star Sue Devaney replied: "Well said our Andy! It’s an honour and a privilege to work with the best!" Jane Danson, famed for playing Leanne Battersby, said: "Amen to that. Also we are a cast and crew who care and respect eachother deeply - through good times and bad . Through life and work . We are family."

Cassie Plummer star Claire Sweeney typed: "Well said darling, me too proud to be part of the Corrie team." Jane Hazlegrove, who plays Bernie Winter, added: "Yes! @andywhy36! Yes! Well bloody said! Brilliant bunch of kind clever creatives both in front of the camera and behind! Away with the negativity!"