Dee-Dee Bailey has faced some of the most life-changing storylines in Coronation Street this year, from welcoming baby Laila under traumatic circumstances to managing the emotional fallout of an emergency hysterectomy. Away from Coronation Street, actress Channique Sterling-Brown has been equally candid about her own ambitions, speaking openly about her desire to travel, take on challenging new roles, and even step into Shakespeare.
A Year of Highs and Heartbreaks
Dee-Dee has already endured one of the most challenging storylines of 2025. Earlier this year, she welcomed her daughter Laila under dramatic circumstances when the soap highlighted racial injustice in maternity care. The plot took a devastating turn as Dee-Dee suffered complications that led to an emergency hysterectomy. The aftermath pushed her into another emotional crossroads.
Yet as the weeks went on, she found herself torn, unable to let go of her role as a mother. Eventually, the siblings struck a co-parenting arrangement, a compromise that tugged at the heartstrings of many viewers. With these storylines, Dee-Dee grew into a fan favourite. Her warmth, determination, and resilience made her a standout character since her first appearance back in 2022.
Channique Sterling-Brown Confirms Her Exit
Now, the news has broken that actress Channique Sterling-Brown, who brought Dee-Dee to life for three years, will be leaving Coronation Street. Reports confirm she is set to film her final scenes later this October, with her on-screen exit airing towards the end of 2025. The actress herself gave strong hints earlier in the year about wanting to explore new directions.
Speaking to My Weekly in July, she explained that she hoped to see more of the world, learn a musical instrument, and even live abroad for a time. She also admitted she’d love the chance to play Lady Macbeth one day. Channique went on to share that playing a villain would be an exciting challenge and that she longed to do something completely different.
While she described Coronation Street as a “wonderful place to work” and a defining part of her career, she also stressed that she was still young and eager to try new characters in such a vast industry. Fans will no doubt find it bittersweet to say goodbye, even as they wish Channique well on her next adventures. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest news and spoilers from Coronation Street and beyond.