Coronation Street icon set to 'leave' after six years - but huge twist teased

Coronation Street star Dame Maureen Lipman is set to bow out of the ITV soap later this year for a new acting role, however she will be returning next year.

The veteran TV star, 78, has been a Corrie regular since 2018 when she arrived as Tyrone Dobbs’ (played by Alan Halsall) estranged grandmother.

Now, six years later, fans of the long-running soap have watched Evelyn form a close friendship with Roy Cropper (David Neilson), and reunite with Tyrone.

More recently, Evelyn's family has expanded further as she also reunited with with long-lost daughter Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) and help her battle against substance abuse.

But later this year, the character is set to drop off television screens to take on a new role on the stage. It was recently revealed Maureen will be starring in Richmond Theatre’s panto production of Beauty and the Beast later this year.

Maureen will be performing from December 7 to January 5 alongside comedian and magician Pete Firman.

The news, however, has sparked fears that Maureen could be bowing out of Weatherfield after six years.

Announcing the news last month, the venue wrote on Instagram: "We are so excited to announce that Dame Maureen Lipman will star as Mrs Potty and Pete Firman will play Silly Billy in this year’s spellbinding pantomime Beauty and the Beast!"

Taking to the comments, one fan wrote: "Corrie's loss is Richmonds gain!!!", as a second stated: "Will miss seeing her in Corrie such a wonderful actress."

"Will miss her on CORRIE", echoed another followed by a crying face emoji.

However, Maureen will be returning to Corrie next year back in her role a Evelyn. A show spokeswoman said: "Dame Maureen is taking a sabbatical from Coronation Street towards the end of the year. We look forward to seeing her back on the cobbles in 2025", reports The Sun.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX