According to reports, Devaney, unlike her Gail Platt co-star Helen Worth, who left the soap over Christmas, had no intention of leaving and “couldn’t believe it” when she was blindsided by the revelation. “Sue was very shocked when she discovered she was being killed off,” a source told The Sun.

Actress Sue Cleaver will leave Coronation Street after 25 years but is keeping the “door open” to make a return to the soap. The star, 61, has played the outspoken and uncomplicated Eileen Grimshaw in the ITV show since 2000.

The early conversations "gave writers plenty of time to create a strong exit storyline for her, which viewers will love."

The actress, 61, who plays the iconic Eileen Grimshaw is leaving the ITV soap to pursue new acting projects and her exit storylines are already being filmed.