Big Changes for a Historic Year

Coronation Street is preparing for one of its most dramatic years yet. As the ITV soap gears up for its 65th anniversary this December, producer Iain MacLeod has confirmed a huge shake-up is on the way.

Fans can expect heartbreak, chaos, and shocking exits as the long-running show celebrates its milestone in true Corrie style. And in typical soap fashion, a fan-favourite character is about to be written out.

Speaking to The Mirror, MacLeod warned: “The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind. It’s going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, lots of drama, lots of twists.”

A Shocking Departure Looms

MacLeod has been at the helm of Corrie for the last five years, steering the show through some of its biggest storylines. He admitted that deciding who stays and who goes is never easy.

“Sometimes the biggest and best exits are for characters that you care the most about,” he explained. “There’s always that equation where you think, ‘If they were to go, the viewers will really care. But what damage will it do to the show?’”

He admitted that the decision-making process is fiery and emotional, with heated debates behind the scenes. But the anniversary is the perfect time for bold choices—and Corrie bosses are not afraid to be ruthless.

Familiar Faces Return

It won’t be all heartbreak, though. Corrie is also promising a wave of nostalgia. MacLeod teased that familiar faces will return to Weatherfield as part of the anniversary celebrations. Beloved veterans Bill Roache, Michael Le Vell, and Sally Dynevor have all recently signed fresh contracts, securing their place in the upcoming blockbuster episodes.

Fans can also look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime crossover. In January 2026, Corrie and Emmerdale will collide in a special episode that promises to bring both worlds together in dramatic style. MacLeod said: “All of it is feeding into this crossover episode we are doing in January. It’s going to get bigger and bigger. Things will peak in a big way.”

The Platts Face More Drama

Beyond the anniversary twists, there’s fresh drama brewing for the Platt family. Shona recently revealed she is pregnant, after husband David mistakenly thought a test belonged to their young neighbour—or even their daughter Lily.

Actress Julia Goulding teased that Shona and David’s journey won’t be smooth sailing. “Yeah, not that it’s without its drama,” she said. “There’s more drama on the way, definitely.”

Her comments suggest that while the Platts prepare for a new baby, unexpected challenges are about to shake their family yet again.

A Year of Twists and Turns

With a huge exit confirmed, emotional returns planned, and a crossover event that promises to make history, Coronation Street is ready to give fans an unforgettable year.

The soap’s 65th anniversary is not just a celebration—it’s a reminder that in Weatherfield, no one is ever truly safe. Legends may leave, families may fracture, but the drama always finds a way to return.

As MacLeod teased, “It’s going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, lots of drama, lots of twists.” For fans, the only certainty is that the cobbles will never be the same again.