Coronation Street reveals who will leave and who will sign new contracts

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the soap world, Coronation Street has lifted the lid on a dramatic period of change both on and off screen — revealing who may be heading for the exit,

who is signing on for the long haul, and how the landmark crossover event Coryale is set to redefine the future of the cobbles.

The unprecedented crossover between Coronation Street and Emmerdale — officially titled Coryale — will air as a one-hour special on Monday, January 5, marking the first time the two iconic ITV soaps collide in a single storyline.

At the heart of the spectacle is a devastating multi-vehicle crash on a rural road near Hotten, plunging beloved characters from both worlds into chaos, fear, and life-altering consequences.

Shona Platt and Charity Dingle: A powerful meeting amid tragedy

One of the most talked-about moments in Coryale sees Shona Platt and Charity Dingle coming face to face during an emotionally charged sequence at Hotten General Hospital. Newly released spoiler images show the two women united by trauma and pregnancy, offering comfort amid devastation.

Julia Goulding, who plays Shona, revealed that filming opposite Emma Atkins was a dream come true. She admitted she was thrilled when she realized she would be sharing scenes with one of Emmerdale’s most iconic characters. Off camera, the chemistry was instant, with the actresses bonding quickly while preparing for some of the most intense scenes of their careers.

Emma Atkins echoed the sentiment, praising both Julia and Jack P. Shepherd for their raw performances. She described watching their emotionally heavy scenes as “humbling,” noting that the storyline mirrored both characters’ vulnerability as expectant mothers facing the unknown. The brief but poignant bond between Charity and Shona promises to be one of the crossover’s most memorable emotional beats.

Explosions, stunts, and spectacle

The crash itself is nothing short of cinematic. Julia Goulding confirmed she performed her own stunt, complete with harnesses, fire effects, and high-impact action. Returning from Debbie Webster and Ronnie Bailey’s wedding, several Coronation Street residents find themselves trapped in a nightmare scenario, with sirens blaring, vehicles destroyed, and lives hanging in the balance.

For a show rooted in kitchen-sink realism, Coryale represents a rare chance to go big — and the cast has embraced it fully. Julia described the experience as exhilarating, admitting she felt like an action hero during filming. The scale of the stunt work underscores ITV’s intention to make Coryale a true television event.

Carla Connor in mortal danger — and Allison King’s future questioned

Among those caught in the wreckage is Carla Connor, whose fate has become a major talking point. In Coryale, Carla is already emotionally fragile following her split from Lisa Swain, leaving her isolated and vulnerable. Her obsession with exposing Becky Swain pushes her dangerously close to disaster — and the crash may be the final straw.

Trailer footage shows a visibly shaken Carla attempting to comfort another victim amid the chaos, softly repeating, “It’s okay. I’m here.” Longtime viewers know Carla has survived countless brushes with death over the years, but this time, the danger feels different. Rumors are swirling that this could mark the end of her journey on the cobbles.

Fueling speculation is the news that Allison King has secured a role in an upcoming feature film, Dirty Truckers. The 1980s-set comedy, currently in pre-production, will see Allison play Ella in a story about unemployed British truck drivers turning to illegal schemes to survive. Filmed in summer 2024, the project could signal a new chapter for the actress beyond Weatherfield.

While no official exit has been confirmed, fans are questioning whether Coryale could serve as a dramatic send-off for Carla Connor — or simply another near-death experience in her turbulent life.

Contract confirmed: David Platt isn’t going anywhere

Amid fears that multiple characters could be killed off in the crash, ITV has moved swiftly to reassure viewers about at least one fan favorite. Jack P. Shepherd, who plays troubled David Platt, has signed a new year-long contract, confirming he will remain on the show beyond Coryale.

The announcement comes after months of speculation, particularly following Jack’s appearance on reality TV. Some fans worried he might be preparing to leave, or that David would be written out in explosive fashion. Sources have now confirmed that ITV bosses signed him early to lock him in, keen to keep one of the show’s most iconic characters firmly on the cobbles.

Jack, who joined the soap in 2000 at just 12 years old, has often described Coronation Street as his second family. The renewed contract strongly suggests that David will survive the crash — though survival doesn’t necessarily mean peace.

A surprise return and emotional Christmas twist

Adding to the emotional weight of upcoming episodes is the return of Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, who makes a guest appearance despite leaving the soap after an incredible 50-year run. Gail’s brief comeback comes in the form of a heartfelt Christmas message to her family, coinciding with David’s birthday.

Jack P. Shepherd has teased that the moment is deeply emotional for David, highlighting the complicated love-hate relationship he shares with his on-screen mother. Gail’s appearance follows her dramatic exit last Christmas, when she left Weatherfield for a new life in France after marrying Jesse Chadwick.

A new era for ITV soaps

Coryale is more than just a crossover — it marks the launch of ITV’s new “soap power hour” scheduling strategy. On January 5, Emmerdale will air at 7pm, followed by Coronation Street at 7:30pm, before the historic one-hour crossover event takes over the evening. ITV has confirmed the episode will not be released early on ITVX, emphasizing its status as must-watch live television.

As Coronation Street navigates cast changes, new contracts, and potential exits, one thing is clear: the soap is entering a daring new chapter. With lives on the line, careers evolving, and the boundaries between soap worlds shattered, Coryale promises consequences that will echo through Weatherfield for months — if not years — to come.

For fans, the message is unmistakable: buckle up. The cobbles are about to change forever.