Should the Corrie axe be brought out again?

With the news that Sol Heras will be leaving Coronation Street later this year, the list of characters departing under Stuart Blackburn's reign has started to grow. There hasn't been a mass exodus in the style of Brian Park, thank goodness, however Mr B is obviously making some changes.

To be honest, I'm glad Ryan Connor will be leaving soon. 

The character has never fitted in since coming back with a new, much older head. The relationship between mother and son never worked for me, as I couldn't really believe Ryan was Michelle's offspring. Of course, if we stop to remember the dreadful baby swap storyline he actually isn't Michelle's at all, but that was never touched on again. I guess we should be grateful for that.

Of the others departing, Brian Packham was always irritating to me in the traditional Derek Wilton style. I did quite like him with Julie though and felt he was never really given a chance. I won't miss Paul Kershaw one little bit though. There was initial promise from him and I was pleased to see Eileen Grimshaw get herself a fella, however he has bored me to tears ever since. 

Of course we know the Price family is being depleted, though for the moment both St Ella and Eva are staying put. Karl Munro was a great character in the making - John Michie is a terrific actor. However the powers that be turned him from a loveable rogue into a hopeless cheat and liar and of course, being Corrie there is no way back from that. Well, apart from Tracy Barlow it seems. Gloria I'm not sad to see go. Such a waste of the wonderful Sue Johnston but I think the character has gone too far now to be redeemed. Glo could have been a Corrie legend. 

It is unclear how many of these actors are leaving of their own accord and how many have been pushed out. I guess it doesn't really matter. We are also losing both Hayley (sob) and Tina (sigh), but it is clear these actors are moving on through choice. 

It is overwhelmingly clear that change is afoot. Overall I'm really enjoying Coronation Street now Stuart Blackburn is at the helm. However, should he go further? Top of the list for me are Tracy Barlow and Rob Donovan. Unpleasant when working alone, unbearable when working as one. If I had the power I'd ditch them both faster than Deirdre can work her way through a packet of fags.


Are there any more characters you would like to see get the chop, or has Stuart Blackburn gone far enough?


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