Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown has officially confirmed her departure from the soap and revealed why she’s decided to call it a day.
The actress – who plays Dee Dee Bailey in the ITV series – has been one of the show’s key cast members in recent years, taking on several major storylines. Now, she’s shared that this is partly why she’s chosen to leave.
“I made the decision in spring, and it wasn’t a rash decision,” she told The Sun and other press.
“You know, I really took a couple of months from being offered my next year’s contract to actually even respond.
“I felt really torn, but I just had that sense that it was the right time. I feel like I’ve been so privileged — I’ve had the chance to tell some brilliant stories, and it’s been such a wonderful experience. And of course, my faith guides me a lot as well. So I really took my time over it and prayed on it.
“And I think, yes, I came to a real sense that I’d done what I came here to do — even though I didn’t know exactly what that was at the start. It just felt like I’d achieved what I was meant to, so it was time to be brave.”
Holding back tears, Channique continued: “It’s been brilliant. I don’t think I could have written it any better myself. It’s been exactly what it was meant to be. I’ve learnt so much, I’ve made amazing friends, and I’ve loved this character — honestly, I’m getting all emotional now. I’ve loved playing her.”
She confirmed that she has already filmed her final scenes on the soap — and it was an emotional day.
“It was so lovely,” she said. “Obviously it was emotional, but it felt really special. I was in the building, and it was nice to actually be on the cobbles for my last day.
“Every corridor I walked down I thought, ‘This is the last time I’ll be here.’ The last time in The Rovers, the last time on the street.
“But that’s the thing, isn’t it — the price of love is loss. I feel it because I love being here, and that’s a good thing. It’s not like I can’t wait to get out. I’m leaving something I truly care about.”
