CORONATION Street legend makes shock return to Weatherfield after a decade – leaving loved ones reeling.
A familiar face is set to stun Weatherfield residents as a long-lost favourite finally makes their way back to the cobbles after ten years away.
But why have they returned now, and what drama will their comeback bring?
Julie Carp (played by Katy Cavanagh) was introduced in 2008 in Coronation Street as Kirk Sutherland’s girlfriend.
But she was later revealed to be Eileen Grimshaw’s (Sue Cleaver) half-sister.
Katy left the show in 2015 to pursue other projects.
Julie’s exit story saw her leave Weatherfield following the breakdown of her relationship with Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin).
Peter Gunn returned to the show as Brian in the build-up to her exit.
Her final episode aired on 3 July 2015 and she hasn’t been seen since.
So, how does she come back to the ITV soap?
Next week, Debbie hands out flyers to Todd and Billy for a tea dance for singles at the hotel.
After some convincing to get Billy to go, he and Todd attend but when a couple of men offer to buy them drinks, Billy hurries out.
As George berates Todd for dragging Billy along, Todd’s distracted as he catches sight of someone – Todd sees Julie.
Why is Julie back?
Julie will come back to the cobbles to surprise half-sister Eileen, the actress Sue Cleaver leaves the long-running show after 25 years.
Her return is part of Cleaver’s exit storyline, which is set to play out in late spring.
Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025
ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.
This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.
Colson Smith – Craig Tinker
The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.
Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw
After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.
Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe
Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him.
Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster
In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline.
Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley
The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.
Shelley King – Yasmeen Metcalfe
The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.
Julie’s secret sets off a chain of events that has huge ramifications for Eileen.
But what is she hiding?
Ahead of her return, Katy said: “It is exciting to dust off Julie’s quirky wardrobe again and an absolute joy to step back onto the cobbles.
“Julie is so much fun, I’ve missed her.”
Producer Kate Brooks said in a statement: “We’re delighted to have the inimitable Julie Carp back on the Cobbles.
“As the ever lovable Julie breezes back into the lives of the Grimshaws, not everything is quite as it seems, and Julie’s secret sets off a chain of events that has huge ramifications for Eileen.
“Katy has slipped back into Julie’s shoes with such ease that it’s like she’s never been away, and we can’t wait for the audience to watch Julie’s story unfold; a story full of love, laughter and tears.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 or stream fro 7am on ITVX.
