All Coronation Street exits, returns and new arrivals coming in 2026
The Coronation Street cast changes are continuing in 2026.
The first half of 2026 has seen fans bid goodbye to a number of characters, most recently with Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon) being sentenced to spell a in prison for her sickening crimes and Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) bowing out in mysterious circumstances.
We also welcomed some new faces: sinister sister from hell Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances-Brown) and the charismatic Idris Nazir (Junade Khan), while Ross Wilkes (Ian Burfield), the father of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall), has also landed.
With arrivals come departures, and we’ll be bidding adieu to fan favourite alternative Queen Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) in the coming months.
Here’s the lowdown on who’s leaving and returning…
Coronation Street cast arrivals
Richie Parkinson
While Richie initially seemed like a clone of his cousin, Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine), it soon transpired that he was much, much darker, when Tim headed to his home to find him covered in blood and his wife, Rachel’s dead body, with Richie claiming he acted in self-defence.
Corrie boss Kate Brooks previously promised that Richie would turn lives of the beloved Metcalfes upside down: ‘It’s a bit of a curveball, and it comes from slightly left field, but absolutely upends their lives. It’s how they navigate that situation going forward.
‘Sally and Tim are so beloved, and I just adore them. And it’s seeing them in a slightly different position than what we’ve seen them in before.’
When did Richie Parkinson arrive in Coronation Street? Last week
Lucy Parkinson
Lucy, the deeply traumatised daughter of Richie and his deceased wife, Rachel, will arrive on the cobbles this week.
When Tim and Sally learn that Lucy’s foster placement has collapsed, Tim takes the lead and arranges for her to move in.
It soon becomes clear, though, that Lucy will be incredibly difficult to handle; having lost her mum and with her dad in prison, the teen is on the edge and could prove to be more than Tim and Sally can manage.
When will Lucy Parkinson arrive in Coronation Street? This week.
Coronation Street cast departures
Debbie Webster
Fans were heartbroken when beloved Debbie Webster was diagnosed with young-onset dementia.
Iconic Corrie writer Jonathan Harvey previously confirmed that Debbie’s dementia will progress over ‘the next few years’.
Actress Sue Devaney also revealed to Lorraine that the story will continue ‘well into 2027’, though the diagnosis will certainly lead to her eventual exit.
When is Debbie leaving Coronation Street? Currently unknown.
Nina Lucas
Mollie Gallagher will be swapping the cobbles for the theatre.
She’ll be leaving the show to play the role of Clarice Starling in the stage production of Silence of The Lambs.
She’ll be appearing alongside fellow soap alumni John Partridge and Oliver Farnworth.
When will Nina Lucas leave Coronation Street? Later this year.
