Coronation Street star’s unexpected story idea ‘to throw the fans off’ could’ve changed everything

| Soaps Reporter Published July 24, 2026 9:16am Updated July 24, 2026 9:16am Things could’ve been totally different! (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Former Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown has been speaking about a very unexpected storyline idea that had the potential to change everything. Channique, who is 29, played the role of Dee-Dee Bailey in the ITV soap from 2022 until 2025. Dee-Dee headed to Weatherfield after spending three years working in Los Angeles. She wanted to be closer to her family, and quickly became a hugely loved member of the community. During Aggie Bailey’s (Lorna Laidlaw) prolonged absence from the household, Dee-Dee attempted to keep the family together, and worked hard to help dad Ed Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) with his gambling addiction. After the news of her departure hit the headlines, Channique took to Instagram to reflect on her time in the show. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘After three whirlwind years of Dee-Dee Bailey, I’ve decided to say farewell to the cobbles,’ she wrote. ‘Bittersweet to be saying goodbye, but I am so excited for pastures new and enjoying the end of playing Princess Diana and her many expressions.’ Dee-Dee arrived in 2022 (Picture: ITV) The character was hugely loved by Corrie fans (Picture: ITV) Actress Channique recently spent time reflecting on the journey she had on the cobbles. In a chat on the Tis Yourself podcast, the star discussed a storyline idea that would’ve potentially changed everything for another character. ‘I had this massive thing where I would always flirt with DS Swain because obviously I knew she would be getting with Carla. I just wanted to throw the fans off. So I was like, I’m going to flirt with DS Swain. I don’t know, I was like, that just makes it interesting’. ‘You never know what the Corrie writers are gonna do, right, if they see something they like, so I was like, imagine they really like it and they made Dee-Dee gay. ‘I was like, where’s the thing that me as an actor can play with in this?’. The character left the cobbles towards the end of last year to start a new life in Singapore. Dee-Dee left the cobbles for a new life overseas (Picture: ITV) Dee-Dee was part of a huge storyline throughout 2023 and 2024, as she began a relationship with solicitor Joel Deering (Calum Lill). For months, Dee-Dee and the rest of the Weatherfield residents had no idea that Joel had been grooming and sexually exploiting Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton). Joel died in 2024, when Lauren attacked him. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Emmerdale cast take to the skies in plane stunt and our hearts are in our mouths Arrow MORE: EastEnders Clive newcomer Jason Durr has famous TV presenter wife Arrow MORE: TV soap stars go Instagram official as they announce they’re dating in real life The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.