Iain MacLeod teased a major character exit, warning viewers of shocking twists, drama, and trauma in coming episodes.

A Coronation Street favourite is set for a shocking exit, according to the soap’s executive producer. Speaking ahead of the ITV drama’s 65th anniversary in December, Iain MacLeod teased a major character will be “chopped” as part of a series of milestone episodes.

Promising “shocking twists”, Iain said viewers should brace themselves. “The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind,” he explained. “It’s going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, lots of drama, lots of twists.”

Iain revealed the drama will hit characters audiences have come to love, and he is not afraid to be ruthless, Mirror reports.

“Sometimes the biggest and best exits are for characters that you care the most about.

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 landscape of the show in terms of the ability to tell stories?’” he said.

“It’s a big responsibility so we do agonise about it quite a lot and argue about it. Our story conferences are fiery places at times and this period of the show is no different.”

Details of the 65th anniversary celebrations remain largely under wraps, but viewers can expect drama and the return of familiar faces.

“There will be a few familiar faces coming back,” teased Iain. He also confirmed a major crossover event with Emmerdale in January 2026, describing it as a “momentous celebration of our soaps.”

“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,” he added.

Some of the show’s long-standing stars are expected to take central roles in the upcoming episodes. Legends Bill Roache, Michael Le Vell and Sally Dynevor all signed new year-long contracts earlier this year, ensuring they will feature in the anniversary scenes.

While the identity of the character set to leave remains a closely guarded secret, it promises to be a significant moment for the ITV soap.

Recent storylines have also been setting the stage for dramatic turns, particularly for Shona and David Platt amid Shona’s pregnancy storyline.

Actress Julia Goulding, who plays Shona, hinted that the Platts’ family joy may not last. A pregnancy test discovered by David initially sparked confusion, leading him to suspect their neighbour Betsy Swain.

When suspicion fell on their young daughter Lily, Shona revealed it was her test, confirming she was expecting.

Julia teased what lies ahead for the family, saying, “Yeah, not that it’s without its drama.” She added, “There’s more drama on the way, definitely,” suggesting twists are still to come for Shona, David and their child.

Iain’s warning of a “big responsibility” and the promise of dramatic exits, unexpected returns and crossover events sets the scene for a momentous year on Coronation Street as it prepares to mark its 65th anniversary.