Coronation Street viewers have been left reeling after a rising young star confirmed his exit from the ITV soap, bringing an emotional wave of support from fans and castmates alike.

The departure comes amid one of the show’s most disturbing and emotionally charged storylines in recent memory—the Megan Walsh grooming plot—

which has gripped audiences and sparked intense conversation both on and off the cobbles.

The storyline, which first unfolded last year, introduced viewers to Megan Walsh, portrayed by Beth Nixon, a seemingly confident and charismatic athletics coach who quickly embedded herself into the lives of Weatherfield’s teenagers. What initially appeared to be a positive influence soon unravelled into something far darker. Megan was revealed to be grooming Will Driscoll, played by Lucas Hodgson-Wale, manipulating his trust and emotions over a prolonged period while hiding behind her professional authority.

As the plot thickened, Megan secured a teaching role at Weatherfield High, placing her even closer to vulnerable students, while simultaneously embarking on a public romance with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). The relationship raised eyebrows among viewers, particularly as it contrasted sharply with Megan’s secretive and illicit involvement with Will. For Will, seeing Megan openly build a life with Daniel intensified his confusion, jealousy, and emotional dependency—exactly the kind of psychological turmoil the storyline has sought to expose.

Unaware of Megan’s true nature, Will’s family remained in the dark as the tension escalated. The narrative took a shocking turn this week when Megan revealed she was pregnant with Will’s baby, news that left the teenager elated and believing their secret bond was finally validated. However, the sense of triumph was short-lived, as Friday’s episode delivered a bombshell that reframed everything viewers thought they knew about Megan’s past.

The episode marked the debut of Lee, portrayed by newcomer Oscar Aldersley, a fellow runner and friend of Will who was also once coached by Megan. Lee’s arrival immediately carried an air of unease, hinting that Megan’s behaviour toward Will may not have been an isolated incident. In a series of quietly chilling scenes, Lee was shown leaving Megan a voicemail, confessing how much he missed her—an action that suggested a history far deeper than casual acquaintance.

Seeking closure, Lee followed Megan to the Rovers Return before the pair slipped into a ginnel for a private conversation. There, Megan acknowledged their past but coldly dismissed it, explaining she was now committed to Daniel. The exchange exposed Megan’s pattern of discarding those she once manipulated, underscoring the calculated nature of her actions.

Before leaving Weatherfield, Lee made a devastating confession to Will that shattered the young boy’s illusion of being “special.” In a raw and emotionally loaded moment, Lee admitted that he too had been involved with Megan the previous year. “I thought it was serious,” he revealed, “but now I can see she was just using me.” He went on to confirm that their relationship had been sexual, delivering a gut punch that left Will reeling and viewers horrified.

The revelation reframed the entire storyline, confirming that Megan’s actions were not a tragic lapse in judgement, but part of a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour. It also elevated the importance of Lee’s character, whose brief presence served as a crucial catalyst in exposing the truth.

Shortly after his on-screen debut, actor Oscar Aldersley confirmed that his time on Coronation Street had come to an end. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared a collection of behind-the-scenes photos from his stint on the show, accompanied by a heartfelt message reflecting on the experience. “Wow, what an experience!” he wrote. “Thank you Coronation Street for this amazing opportunity. It’s been a pleasure working with such an incredible team for the past couple of months! I’ll hopefully see you all, back on the cobbles again soon!”

The post was quickly flooded with messages of support and praise, not only from fans but from fellow cast members who were clearly impressed by Aldersley’s performance. Beth Nixon, who has shared intense scenes with Oscar as Megan, commented warmly, saying she had “so much fun” working with him and expressing excitement for viewers to see the storyline unfold on screen.

Sydney Martin, who plays Betsy Swain, also showed her support by liking the post, while fans left messages celebrating Oscar’s powerful contribution to the soap. “Well done, Oscar!” wrote one follower, while another added: “Cannot wait—so happy for you.”

Although Lee’s time on the cobbles was brief, his impact has been anything but small. In just a handful of episodes, the character added vital depth to an already complex storyline, giving weight and credibility to the show’s portrayal of grooming and its long-term consequences. By revealing Megan’s history, Lee’s presence shifted the narrative from a single victim’s experience to a broader pattern of abuse, reinforcing the seriousness of the issue and the importance of speaking out.

For Coronation Street, the storyline represents another example of the soap’s commitment to tackling difficult real-world issues with sensitivity and realism. The grooming plot has been carefully constructed to highlight not just the act itself, but the emotional manipulation, secrecy, and psychological damage that often accompany such abuse. Through characters like Will and Lee, the show has given voice to the confusion, shame, and heartbreak experienced by young victims, while also exposing the calculated tactics used by perpetrators.

Oscar Aldersley’s exit may mark the end of Lee’s immediate role in the drama, but the ripple effects of his character’s revelations are far from over. As Megan’s web of lies begins to unravel, viewers can expect the storyline to intensify, with devastating consequences for those caught in the middle.

As fans continue to praise Oscar’s performance and wish him well for the future, one thing is clear: even a short stay on the cobbles can leave a lasting legacy. His farewell message, filled with gratitude and optimism, reflects not just a professional milestone, but a meaningful contribution to one of Coronation Street’s most hard-hitting chapters in recent years.

With emotions running high and the truth finally surfacing, Weatherfield is bracing itself for the fallout—and viewers will be watching closely as this powerful storyline moves toward its next, inevitable reckoning.