Coronation Street’s Julie reveals real reason for her return as her secret is exposed

Ash Percival

Published February 19, 2025 10:00pm

Julie Carp and Todd Grimshaw chat in the living room in Coronation Street — Julie Carp is back on the Street (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street returnee Julie Carp is forced to reveal what’s really brought her back to Weatherfield next week.

Actress Katy Cavanagh has reprised her role as Julie after nine years as part of her on-screen sister Eileen Grimshaw’s exit plot.

Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen, announced she’d quit the ITV soap after 25 years last month, with her departure set to play out in the coming weeks.

As the soap builds towards that moment, this Friday’s episode will see Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) surprised to spot his aunt when he attends a singles tea dance at the hotel.

During next Monday’s visit to the cobbles, Corrie will shed more light on the reason why Julie is back.

Having spent the night with the guy he met at the tea dance, Todd bumps into Julie in the hotel reception and begins asking questions.

She is then reunited with Eileen and the sisters catch up over lunch, but it becomes clear Julie is keeping something from her.

Todd Grimshaw is surprised to see Julie Carp in the hotel reception in Coronation Street — Todd Grimshaw catches Julie at the hotel (Picture: ITV)

Eileen Grimshaw and Julie Carp reach out for a hug in Coronation Street — Julie is soon reunited with sister Eileen Grimshaw (Picture: ITV)

Having learned the truth, Todd and George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) put pressure on Julie to tell Eileen the real reason she is here, but will Julie listen?

Katy first hit our screens as Julie in 2008, and remained a prominent figure on the cobbles until her exit in 2015.

She was last seen heading off for pastures new with boyfriend Brian Packham (Peter Gunn), only for him to return to the street when they later broke up.

Katy Cavanagh as Julie Carp in a Coronation Street press shot — What has really brought Julie back? (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street cast exits - who is going?

Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster

Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.

A source told Metro: 'It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.

‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.

‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’

Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw

Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.

She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’

‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.'

Colson Smith as Craig Tinker

After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.

He said: 'I've loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street.

'I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning.

'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!'

Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley

After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.

She said in a statement: 'My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish.

'After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.

'It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.'

Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe

After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles - and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.

Metro understands that she won't be killed off.

A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.

‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.

‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’

Paddy Bever as Max Turner

With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.

‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.

Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’

Speaking about her return to the Manchester-based soap, Katy said: ‘It is exciting to dust off Julie’s quirky wardrobe again and an absolute joy to step back onto the cobbles. Julie is so much fun, I’ve missed her.’

Producer Kate Brooks added: ‘As the ever lovable Julie breezes back into the lives of the Grinshaws, not everything is quite as it seems, and Julie’s secret sets off a chain of events that has huge ramifications for Eileen.

‘Katy has slipped back into Julie’s shoes with such ease that it’s like she’s never been away, and we can’t wait for the audience to watch Julie’s story unfold; a story full of love, laughter and tears.’