Shelley King, the actress better known to Coronation Street viewers as Yasmeen Nazir, has left the ITV soap after over a decade. Since 2014, she has been the popular Speed Daal owner, playing out some of the show‘s most dramatic storylines. Her exit, revealed back in February, had fans in tears, but a recent statement from the star implies that Yasmeen‘s journey is not quite done.
Shelley Teases With a Cryptic Remark
In an Instagram video posted on Coronation Street‘s official account, Shelley looked back at her experience on the show. Shot inside Speed Daal, she discussed the close bond she shares with Yasmeen and why she took a break. Rather than leaving for good, though, she dropped a hint that she could return, leaving fans in anticipation.
“I’m very, very sad to be leaving,” she said. “I just felt I’d have to try going back to the stage, maybe, to try to refresh Yasmeen. We’re very close, Yas and I, so—as you probably know—Yas will do other things.” Before signing off, Shelley made a cryptic remark: “She will not say goodbye. She will say, as the French do, ‘à bientôt,’ which means ‘see you soon.’ Somewhere, somehow.” Fans grab onto this right away, filling the comments with wild speculation about whether or not Yasmeen would be back in the future.
Shelly’s Huge Storyline
Shelley‘s exit is one of a number of high-profile exits from Coronation Street in the past few months. Sue Cleaver and Colson Smith are among the other long-serving members of the cast who are expected to leave, fuelling gossip about behind–the-scenes changes. A source last week briefed The Sun that Yasmeen‘s departure would be a huge loss to the show.
Although other fans fear that the soap is in financial trouble, sources say there is no reason to panic. Rumor has it that veteran characters are being phased out to make room for fresh faces, which keeps production costs at a minimum. What happens next is yet to be seen. Until then, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street updates.