Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach was seen wiping tears from her eyes as she was spotted for the first time since her emotional soap exit. The actress, who played Faye Windass in the ITV soap for 12 years, waved goodbye to the cobbles last month.
Fans of the long-running watched the character reunite with Miley, the daughter she gave up after giving birth at 13, and Jackson Hodge, the child's father. After her initial reservations, Faye began spending time with Miley and Jackson, with the former young couple even sharing a kiss.
It left Faye struggling to mix her new life with her boyfriend Craig Tinker with her old one with Jackson and Miley. And, before she left Weatherfield, Craig discovered the truth about Faye and Jackson’s kiss - and turned to blackmail amid his own heartbreak.
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But, after realising the error of his ways, and watching the family pose for family photos as Miley explained how she plans to put together an album to remember them by, cop Craig told Faye that if she wants to go with Jackson and Miley to Slough then she should do it. So, with her case packed, Faye jumped in her dad's taxi and headed off.
After the scenes Ellie, who has played Faye since 2011, typed a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. "Farewell Faye Windass," the 22-year-old started her post. "And just like that, 12 years at @coronationstreet has come to end!! At 9 years old I could have never imagined how much this show would change my life.
"I have worked with some of the most incredible people and have learnt so much over the years that i will continue to hold onto for the rest of my life. Everyone says we’re like a family at corrie and we really are. From the cast, to the crew, make-up, costume, everyone in front of the camera and behind the cameras are what makes this show so special and i’m eternally grateful to have played a tiny part in that.
"I am so unbelievably overwhelmed with the amount of kind comments that everyone has had about Faye over the years and how many well wishes i’ve had since announcing that i’ll be leaving and i just can’t thank you all enough for the support that everyone has given me.
"Thankyou @coronationstreet for giving me the opportunity to play Faye Windass, she will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to see what the future holds beyond those corrie cobbles."
Ellie has since been seen enjoying a break in Copenhagen but on Monday evening (June 5), the former soap star returned to social media as she enjoyed a special night at the Etihad watching Coldplay.
"Best night ever. @coldplay 2023," she captioned a post featuring pictures and videos of Chris Martin and co on stage as well as some snaps with her mum and dad who joined her at the gig as well as former co-star cousin Brooke Vincent.
She also took to her Instagram Story and posted a video of herself taking in Coldplay's stunning performance of Yellow, which sees the whole audience lit up thanks to their LED wristbands. "My dad," Ellie penned alongside a yellow heart emoji. The clip showed Ellie's dad with his arm around her as he sang and pointed to her throughout the song.
"Ellie, who swayed as she watched the band perform the beautiful track, was then seen wiping a tear from her eyes. Admitting to why she was overcome with emotion, she typed: "Every time I hear this song I get so emotional. To hear this live with my family was a dream come true."
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