Coronation Street fans could have an upcoming twist in store as the soap prepares the exit plot for Emma Brooker, after it was confirmed she will be leaving the cobbles.
Alexandra Mardell, who plays Emma, has quit Corrie after four years in the role and will soon leave the ITV soap.
This comes after Emma was involved alongside Faye Windass in the tragic accident that caused the death of the elderly man Ted - with fans believing the calamity will lead to her departure from the soap.
In previous scenes, Corrie fans saw as Faye took driving lessons in the run-up to the collision, and Emma agreed to take over as her instructor after a mishap left Craig Tinker unable to continue teaching her.
On New Year’s Day, tragedy struck as Faye drove Emma home from a party the night before.
Although Ted initially lay motionless after the incident, he regained consciousness and the pair assisted him back to his flat, where he later died.
The pensioner had said he was fine, and opened up to them about his life, saying how proud he was of his grandson.
But Corrie bosses could now be lining up a new twist for Emma’s character as snaps from the latest filming on the soap show her getting close to Ted's grandson Jon Spear.
Photographs from the soap set show Emma with Jon - the pair are seen holding hands, walking arm-in-arm and laughing as they enjoy each other’s company.
Guilty Emma went to Ted’s funeral, even though Faye had begged her not to, and met Jon there.
Although details of Emma’s departure from Weatherfield have not been announced yet, it appears that her character could be in store for a possible romantic twist that could hasten her exit from the soap.
If Jon discovers the truth of Emma’s involvement in his grandfather’s death, could their tentative cover-up fall to pieces?
Soap producer Iain MacLeod has previously hinted that her exit could be connected to Ted's death.
He said: “Emma has found herself in a massive pickle – one which will cause her to wave goodbye to the cobbles. At least for now.”
Speaking after her departure was confirmed, Alexandra said: “Playing Emma, on the most iconic street there is, has been the best experience of my life. Four years have gone so fast.
“Compared to other cast members I still feel like a newbie, which makes my decision to leave all the more difficult. But I feel it's the right time for me.
“I can't thank everyone at Coronation Street enough for welcoming me and trusting me to tell so many wonderful and heartfelt stories.”
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV.
