Coronation Street viewers convinced legendary character has quietly left show for good – and it’s happened before

CORONATION Street viewers are convinced an iconic character has quietly left the soap – and it’s not the first time that’s happened. The fan favourite has been a much-loved Weatherfield staple for many decades. Coronation Street fans think Audrey Roberts may not return the soap Credit: ITV Some viewers compared the situation to Eileen Derbyshire’s exit from the programme as Emily Bishop Credit: Rex Features Audrey Roberts – played by Sue Nicholls – debuted on the ITV soap back in 1979 and became a regular in 1984. Since late 2025, she has been off-screen living in France with daughter Gail (Helen Worth) – who herself bowed out in December 2024. Sign up for the Coronation Street newsletter Thank you! A subsequent update shown on-screen revealed Audrey now has a boyfriend. Although Audrey’s grandchildren Nick, Sarah and David are still on the cobbles, some fans think she may never return. In recent months, the character has been living with daughter Gail (pictured) off-screen in France Credit: ITV Sue Nicholls began playing Audrey in 1979 Credit: Getty One wrote on Reddit: “I think it’s becoming increasingly likely that it’s an Eileen Derbyshire situation.” Eileen, 94, starred as Emily Bishop from 1961 to 2016, before going on what was initially believed to be an extended break. The character never physically came back to Weatherfield, but appeared on a video call in 2019. Another fan speculated: “Audrey will not be returning to the show. Most read in TV “People seem to forget that Gail has actually appeared more recently than Audrey in the show. “Sue Nicholls lost her husband (Alan Bradley actor Mark Eden) and then Helen Worth leaving the show hit her.” A third said: “Basically, Eileen Derbyshire (who played Emily) went on an extended break from the show, but never came back. “I think it’s likely that the same will happen with Sue Nicholls.” Comment now