CORONATION Street actress Shelley King has broken her silence on leaving the show after her character Yasmeen Nazir left Weatherfield for good.

Shelley was one of the stars who fell victim to the cast cull at the start of the year which saw a mass exodus of stars amid the soap’s ongoing struggles and cash crisis.

Shelley King discussing her departure from Coronation Street.
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Shelley King has broken her silence on her Coronation Street exitCredit: Instagram/@coronationstreet

Yasmeen Metcalfe tells Alya Nazir about a new job opportunity.
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The star’s final scenes on the soap aired this weekCredit: ITV
Last night, fans watched as Yasmeen suddenly quit the Cobbles and hot-footed it down to London after getting a brand new job offer to work for a charity.

It marked the end of her time on the soap after 10-and-a-half years.

In a video shared to the official Coronation Street account after her exit aired, actress Shelley opened up on the real reason she no longer wanted to be on the ITV programme as she looked back fondly on her stint on the cobbles.

Speaking on-set from Speed Daal, Shelley said: “I’ve been so privileged to be living in number six.

“I’ve had the most wonderful time. I’m very sad to be leaving.

“I just felt I’d have to try going back to the stage.”

Shelley continued: “So, as you know, Yas is going to do other things but she will not say goodbye.”

Appearing to confirm that she would eventually return to the soap, she added: “She will say, as the French do, a bientot, which means, see you soon. Somewhere, somehow.”

Shelley then went on to share some thoughts about her infamous domestic abuse storyline with the deeply cruel Geoff Metcalfe.

In 2019 and 2020, Yasmeen was subjected to the most horrific abuse by her husband who attempted to control her

His evil actions including forcing Yasmeen to eat her own pet chicken, Charlotte Bronte, locking her in a magician’s box and spying on her in their home.

It received huge praise especially as its grittiest scenes were broadcast over the Covid lockdown – highlighting how abuse can occur behind closed doors.

Shelley said: “I’ve been so privileged to have the story about domestic abuse.

“It was so well written and so well researched, and I’ve had so many letters from you, my audience, all of you saying how much it helped you.

A woman wearing glasses speaks outdoors.
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Yasmeen left Coronation Street for goodCredit: ITV

Shelley King, actress from Coronation Street.
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Shelley is now hoping to land a stage roleCredit: Instagram/@coronationstreet
“That’s the wonder of Coronation Street. I’m so proud to have been in it this long because there are so many issues that the Street can inform on.”

In yesterday’s episode, fans watched on as Yasmeen said her goodbyes to granddaughter Alya after a rocky 10 years in Weatherfield.

Sitting down with Alya in the Rovers, Yasmeen told her: “I had a call from the charity, someone dropped out and they want me to start immediately.

“I can’t just leave, and I don’t have anywhere to live down there.”

But Alya told her that she could stay with Zeedan until she’s sorted and that she would look after the restaurant until her share is sold.

“Do not pass up this opportunity,” Alya told her grandmother.

“I better go and pack then,” Yasmeen said rushing out.

Later, Yasmeen reflected once again before her final goodbye.

“We have had some trying times on this street,” Yasmeen said.

Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025

ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.

This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.

Colson Smith – Craig Tinker

The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.

Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw

After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.

Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe

Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him.

Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster

In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline.

Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley

The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.

Shelley King – Yasmeen Metcalfe

The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.

Alya added: “Dad dying, Grandad going, all that stuff with Zeedan.”

“And Geoff,” addd Yasmeen.

“We survived it all,” Alya told her grandmother.

Yasmeen said: “We survived it together, you’v always been my rock. Are you sure you’re OK with me selling my share to Leanne?

“Time to go, be good. I love you.”

Two women talking outdoors.
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Yasmeen has been on the show for 10 and a half yearsCredit: ITV