Shock Coronation Street exit for legend revealed 47 years after arriving on the cobbles

TIMES have been hard for Steve McDonald since his wife Tracy Barlow walked out on him for Tommy Orpington.

But how will he react when she decides to leave Coronation Street altogether? Could he decide to head off with her?

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Tommy Orpington (portrayed by Matt Milburn) reappeared in the ITV cobbles in late December, 2023, and instantly hit it off with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) who hired him as a redecorator for No.1.

Viewers will remember that, one thing led to another, and the pair wound up in a torrid affair which was eventually discovered by Tracy's husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) with the help of his pal Tim Metcalfe.

But instead of asking for forgiveness, Tracy shocked Steve even further when she revealed she'd been feeling bored with their marriage and she was keen to start afresh without him.

Unfortunately, her plan was turned on its head when Tommy announced he'd be living Weatherfield to take on a coaching job in Spain.

The former footballer left Tracy behind just as Steve decided to dive back into the dating pool, but in scenes due to air next week, Tommy writes to the florist, inviting her to move abroad with him.

Steve finds the letter and hides it from Tracy before she also stumbles upon it.

Over lunch in the Bistro, Tracy admits to her daughter Amy (Elle Mulvaney) that she misses having a man in her life and she soon takes action to stop the loneliness from taking over.

In later scenes, Steve returns home and is taken aback to find Tracy there and as he reaches into his pocket for Tommy’s letter, he stops in his tracks.

Despite taking a firm stand in previous weeks as she announced she wanted out of their marriage, Tracy confesses that she’d like them to get back together.

Tracy assures Steve that Tommy was a stupid mistake and promises that she’s back for good.

Later, as Steve heads out for a celebratory bottle of wine, a subdued Tracy watches him go.

But when he announces that they are back together, Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) is horrified and categorically refuses to serve him.

After suggesting that they go to the pub instead, Tracy heads out and Steve burns Tommy’s letter, determined to save his marriage.

Unfortunately for him, secrets never stay hidden forever in the cobbles and things go from bad to worse between Tracy and Steve.

In other scenes, Tracy calls at No.1 for the last of her things and admits to Ken Barlow (William Roache), Amy and Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) how much she’s going to miss them.

Ken suggests a farewell drink in the Rovers and, later on, they all raise a toast to Tracy before wishin her well with her new life in Spain.

Meanwhile, Steve buries himself in his newspaper and Amy feels for him. 

Will he try to stop Tracy from leaving again?

Could Tracy have another change of heart?

Tracy was first introduced to viewers of the Manchester-based program in 1977 and she has been portrayed by four different actresses over the decades.

Kate Ford took on the role in 2002 from Dawn Acton who was preceded by Holly Chamarette and Christabel Finch.

A villainess soap watchers have loved to hate, Tracy was involved in some of Corrie's biggest storylines, including one focusing on the murder of her cheating boyfriend Charlie Stubbs.

Have viewers really seen the last of her?

Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.

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