Catherine Tyldesley Explains Carly Roberts' Abrupt Exit from Coronation Street
Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Catherine Tyldesley Opens Up About Her Exit From Coronation Street (and What Comes Next)
When Catherine Tyldesley stepped onto the set of Coronation Street in 2020, she did so with a quiet confidence that would soon make her a favourite among viewers. Portraying Carly Roberts – the sharp‑tongued, fiercely independent nurse who quickly became entangled in some of the show’s most heated storylines – Tyldesley was instantly recognisable for her natural charisma and the way she handled even the most dramatic moments with a blend of humour and vulnerability.
In a recent interview with The Mirror – the news outlet’s 3am Celebrity section – Tyldesley finally revealed the truth behind her decision to leave the iconic soap in 2022. The actress, who has appeared in over 300 episodes, explained that her departure was not merely a career move but a narrative choice that both she and the producers felt was the right time to conclude Carly’s arc. “It was a surprise for everyone,” she told The Mirror. “We were told it was going to be a surprise, but the timing is what shocked us. It was the story that needed to end, not the people who were writing it.”
The Storyline That Ended Carly’s Journey
Tyldesley provided a behind‑the‑scenes look at the final storyline that saw Carly being offered a position at a private clinic outside the familiar streets of Weatherfield. The narrative promised a fresh start, but the abruptness of her exit left many fans reeling. “We didn’t get a proper send‑off on the screen,” the actress said. “I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to the fans or to the cast, so it felt a little incomplete.” The article links to the BBC One page for Coronation Street, which outlines Carly’s dramatic exit as a “big break away” that would allow her to pursue a new career path.
The actress also discussed the “roller‑coaster” that Carly’s love life had been, especially her tumultuous relationship with fellow nurse Dan and her secret romance with a new character, played by the actor who would later become her real‑life partner. While the Mirror article kept this part of the story vague, it is clear from the link to the show’s official “Love Stories” section that Carly’s on‑screen relationships were a key driver for the character’s popularity.
Why Carly’s Exit Felt “Surprising”
According to Tyldesley, the producers had been planning Carly’s exit for months, but the actress was only made aware of the “big break” on the day it was announced. “I had no idea it would be so dramatic,” she said. “I was preparing for the next episode, and then I got a call from the producers, and they said… ‘Carly’s leaving.’ I was shocked.” The actress added that the decision to give Carly a “big break” – a reference to her being offered a position outside Weatherfield – was meant to give the character a plausible exit, even if the timeline felt abrupt to viewers.
Tyldesley also admitted that the lack of a formal send‑off on the screen left her feeling uneasy. “We were told there would be a proper send‑off, but we didn’t get the chance to properly say goodbye on camera. I think it left a gap for us and the fans,” she explained. The Mirror article highlights this point with a quotation from the “Coronation Street” fan forum, which had been buzzing with speculation and concern about Carly’s fate.
What Lies Ahead for Catherine Tyldesley
While Coronation Street was a defining chapter in Tyldesley’s career, the actress is eager to explore new horizons. The Mirror interview points out that she is “already working on something that’s very exciting.” While no official title has been released, she hints at a role in an upcoming drama series – possibly a medical drama that could echo her time as Carly, but with a fresh narrative perspective. The article also links to an entertainment site that tracks upcoming projects for UK actors, where Tyldesley’s name is set to appear in the “Coming Soon” section for a new BBC drama.
In addition to her upcoming screen work, Tyldesley reveals that she is returning to her passion for theatre. She plans to star in a West End revival of a classic play, “which will be a challenging and rewarding experience.” This move, she notes, will allow her to hone her craft in a live setting, a step she has been “longing for.”
The Fan Reaction and Final Thoughts
The Mirror article notes that many fans expressed disappointment at the abruptness of Carly’s exit. However, most fans seemed to understand the nature of soap opera storylines and the importance of giving the character a logical exit. The article quotes a fan who said, “Carly had a great story, and I’m happy that she gets to go on to something new.”
Tyldesley ends the interview by reflecting on her time in Coronation Street. “It was an unforgettable experience,” she says. “I loved the camaraderie on set, the writers, the fans. I’m grateful for the love we received, and I’m looking forward to whatever comes next.”
The Mirror article – complete with links to the official Coronation Street website, the BBC programme page, and a list of upcoming projects for Tyldesley – provides a comprehensive look at the actress’s past on the show, the surprising nature of her exit, and her enthusiastic plans for the future. As she continues to explore new roles and challenge herself on stage, fans can expect to see a new chapter unfold for the talented Catherine Tyldesley, both on screen and beyond.
Read the Full The Mirror Article at:
[ https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/coronation-streets-catherine-tyldesley-reveals-36436271 ]