Coronation Street actress Shelley King reveals the real reason she left the soap as character is axed after 11 years
Coronation Street star Shelley King has revealed the real reason she left the soap after her character was axed.
The actress, 65, who starred as fan favourite character Yasmeen Metcalfe on the soap since 2014.
Speaking in a new clip, shared to the soap’s official Instagram, Shelley said: ‘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’d have to try going back to the stage.’
Hinting at a possible return, she added: ‘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’
Coronation Street star Shelley King has revealed the real reason she left the soap after her character was axed (pictured in June)
The actress, 65, who starred as fan favourite character Yasmeen Metcalfe on the soap since 2014
It was previously reported that Shelley has decided to leave her role on the soap to explore other projects.
Shelley is said to have approached producers in early 2024 to share her desire to leave the show after 10 years of playing the same character – and she filmed her finals scenes in December.
Her exit marks the sixth cast departure in just two months, after several other cast members also announced they were either quitting or had been written out.
Speaking to The Sun, a show source said: ‘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.’
It appears the ITV soap is in trouble due to an alleged cash crisis and a revolt from the cast over poor working conditions and low salaries.
Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, and Luca Toolan — have all announced they will be leaving the show.
Speaking in a new clip, shared to the soap’s official Instagram, Shelley said: ‘I’m very sad to be leaving. I just felt I’d have to try going back to the stage’ (Pictured in 2021)
Other actors have reportedly vented their fury on a WhatsApp group over fears they could be next.
According to The Sun, Thursday’s 9pm to 10pm episode was watched by 2.5 million people – just ten percent of the 27million who watched Hilda Ogden’s farewell in its 1987 heyday.
The episode was moved from its usual Friday slot and time so the network could show the FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and West Ham.
As a result, Coronation Street was pitted against BBC‘s reality game show The Traitors which pulled in five million viewers.
The show’s low ratings meant it lost its most-watched soap crown to Emmerdale with 3.5 million, while BBC’s EastEnders pulled in 2.8 million viewers.
This also means The Street fell out of the top ten most watched shows of the day – which last happened on Christmas Day, which saw Helen Worth’s goodbye after starring as Gail Platt for 50 years.
A source told The Sun: ‘Coronation Street used to be the jewel in ITV’s crown. Now there’s a despondency among actors.’
A spokesperson for the show hit back: ‘Thursday night at 9pm is not our usual transmission pattern. It also does not take into account ITVX viewers.’
‘Monday’s knife-crime episode peaked at 3.9million which, when consolidated, will be in keeping with 2024’s average of 4.4million, making it the most-watched soap on TV.’
