Coronation Street fans fear a beloved star could leave the ITV soap after announcing some career news
Coronation Street fans fear a beloved star could leave the ITV soap after announcing some career news
Joe Crutchley Screen Time reporter
22:49, 17 Jan 2026Updated 23:19, 17 Jan 2026
A beloved Coronation Street character has shared a significant career update, leading fans to speculate that they might be leaving the cobbles.
Summer Spellman, who first appeared on the ITV soap in 2017, was originally portrayed by Matilda Freeman. As the adopted daughter of Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce), Summer has been at the centre of several major storylines.
Now played by Harriet Bibby, the character has recently been dealing with the heartbreaking loss of Billy.
The vicar met his end during the multi-vehicle collision in the Corriedale episode, initially thought to have been caused by Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney), but it was actually due to Carl (Jonathan Howard).
In the wake of his death, a grieving Summer has been finding it difficult to cope with her father’s demise. This week, she even slapped Debbie, accusing her of being responsible for Billy’s death, reports the Mirror.
However, off-screen, actress Harriet has just announced some exciting career news to her followers. On Friday (January 16), Harriet revealed on her Instagram that she is featuring in the award-winning play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
The play, based entirely on the diaries and emails of a young American peace activist, is co-produced by Take Back theatre and 53Two. Harriet posted: “We’ve been working on something beautiful! @ijkershaw @takebacktheatre @53two @reddoormanagement. Ticket link in bio.”
Her Corrie colleagues were quick to offer their backing in the comments. Georgia Taylor, who portrays Toyah Habeeb, wrote: “So excited for this my darling.”
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Meanwhile, Jane Hazlegrove – Bernie Winger in the soap – added: “Now then… this will be fabulous..”
Yet, following confirmation of Harriet’s new role, fans are beginning to wonder whether she might be preparing to leave Corrie. Responding to a Facebook post about her career development, one viewer asked: “Is she leaving Corrie?”.
Another commented: “Hope she’s not leaving I will miss her. I like her character. Best of luck for the future.” A third viewer wrote: “Don’t want to see her go! Love Summer.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX