Coronation Street Star Reveals Shock Storyline That Was Axed After Co-Star’s Sudden Sacking

In a revelation that has stunned long-time Coronation Street fans, former star Jayne Tuncliffe has opened up

about a major scrapped storyline that was set to change the course of Weatherfield history.

Tuncliffe, who played the outspoken and fun-loving Yana Lumb between 2004 and 2007,

revealed that her character’s comeback arc was abruptly canceled after one of her co-stars was sensationally sacked from the show.

Fans will remember Yana as the cheeky best friend of Cilla Battersby-Brown, played by Wendi Peters, whose wild antics and schemes brought both chaos and laughter to the cobbles. But Yana’s friendship with Cilla took a scandalous turn when she had an affair with Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) — a betrayal that sent shockwaves through the close-knit community.

While Tuncliffe exited Coronation Street soon after Peters’ departure, she has now disclosed that producers had big plans to bring Yana back into the spotlight — plans that were derailed by behind-the-scenes drama.

Speaking candidly on the Conversation Street podcast, the actress recalled the moment everything changed:

“After Wendi decided to leave, we were on the way to the Soap Awards and she said, ‘I think it’s time to hang up Cilla’s stilettos.’ I knew then it was curtains for me really, because I wasn’t really connected to any other family on the show.”

Tuncliffe explained that after Peters’ exit, discussions had begun about Yana’s return to the series in a storyline that would have seen her rekindle her controversial romance with Les Battersby. “There was talk that they wanted to get me back, to have Yana in a proper relationship with Les,” she revealed. “But then Bruce got sacked, and that was that. It was really quite unfortunate.”

The decision to sack Bruce Jones sent shockwaves through ITV at the time. The actor, who had portrayed the lovable yet often hapless Les Battersby since 1997, was dismissed after allegedly leaking confidential storyline details to an undercover tabloid journalist during a drunken night out. The scandal abruptly ended Jones’s decade-long run on Coronation Street and, as Tuncliffe now confirms, took Yana’s potential comeback down with it.

In the years since, Jones’s relationship with the soap has been complicated. Last year, Coronation Street confirmed that Les Battersby had been killed off off-screen — news the actor said he only learned about via email. Jones later admitted he was “annoyed” at the impersonal way the news was delivered but eventually made peace with the decision, saying, “I’ve got no problems with Corrie – I had 10 great years with them.”

Since his departure from the soap, Jones has pursued a number of ventures, including an unexpected career in professional wrestling, a move that surprised fans as much as his dramatic exit from Weatherfield.

For Tuncliffe, however, the abrupt end of Yana’s story remains one of the great missed opportunities of the Coronation Street universe. Her chemistry with Cilla and Les was a fan favorite, combining outrageous comedy with genuine heart — a rare balance that helped define the Battersby era.

Reflecting on her time in Weatherfield, Tuncliffe spoke warmly of her co-stars and admitted that she would jump at the chance to return to the show — though not necessarily as Yana Lumb.

“I’d love to go back to the cobbles,” she said. “But I wouldn’t need to reprise Yana. I’d like to go back as a completely different character. It’s been 20 years, but who knows if that’s even possible?”

Her comments have reignited fan nostalgia for the golden era of the mid-2000s, when the Battersbys ruled the street with their chaotic charm and endless drama. Many still regard Yana and Cilla’s friendship — a perfect blend of mischief and loyalty — as one of Coronation Street’s most memorable double acts.

The revelation also sheds light on how fragile long-term storylines can be in soapland, where off-screen controversies can completely alter the show’s direction. What might have been a redemption or romantic arc for Yana turned into a lost chapter in Corrie history — one that could have added even more depth to the Battersby saga.

As Coronation Street continues to evolve with new generations of residents, fans are often reminded of the rich legacy built by characters like Yana, Cilla, and Les — a trio whose antics still live on in classic episodes and fan discussions today.

While Jayne Tuncliffe may never step back into Yana’s stilettos, her affection for the show and its fans remains as strong as ever. Her willingness to return — even as a brand-new face — is a testament to the enduring power of Coronation Street, where no door is ever truly closed, and every corner of the cobbles holds the potential for another unforgettable story.

In the ever-changing world of Weatherfield, it seems the ghosts of scrapped storylines and lost opportunities linger — reminders that in soap opera land, drama doesn’t just happen on-screen. Sometimes, it’s what happens behind the scenes that changes everything.