The winds of change are howling through the cobbles, and it’s not just the Northern weather causing a chill. Coronation Street, Britain’s longest-running soap, is facing a crisis — and this time, it’s not just on-screen drama.

A cash crisis has hit Weatherfield hard, and the response from ITV bosses has been nothing short of drastic. In a bold move to pump life — and profit — back into the show, the powers-that-be have officially filed a trademark for the name “Corrie”, giving them the green light to launch a whole range of merchandise. That’s right — fans could soon be scrubbing up with Corrie-branded soap, spritzing on Daisy Midgeley perfume, or slipping into Eileen Grimshaw bathrobes.

But this sudden merchandise push isn’t just about boosting brand visibility — it’s about survival. The financial strain behind the scenes has already led to an exodus of familiar faces, with some stars axed and others opting to walk away.

So, who’s packing up and leaving the Street?

🌧️ A Mass Exit Rocks Weatherfield

• Craig Tinker (Colson Smith): After 14 years of love, laughs, and loyal police work, Craig has been written out of the show. His exit follows that of his on-screen mum, Beth Tinker (Lisa George), who departed in summer 2024. Fans will see Craig’s final scenes later this year.

• Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver): A Corrie legend is stepping back after 25 years. While the I’m A Celebrity star won’t be killed off, her exit scenes have already been filmed — leaving the door ajar for a possible future return.

• Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan): A short-lived but intense presence, Mason’s time was cut after only 16 months. The troubled teen’s storyline reached a violent end after he was stabbed by his own criminal brothers.

• Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney): A staple character with 40 years of history is about to meet a heartbreaking fate. Debbie will be killed off in a moving dementia storyline, marking the end of an era.

• Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan): One of the newer fan favourites is also calling it quits. Charlotte will depart later this year after four years of romantic highs and dramatic lows, saying she’s eager for new acting adventures.

• Yasmeen Metcalfe (Shelley King): After 11 years and some of the show’s most powerful storylines, Yasmeen has filmed her final scenes. Her exit follows the departure of her on-screen partner, Stu Carpenter.

It’s a seismic shift. In just one year, Coronation Street has seen more exits than the Rovers Return during a fire drill.

🛍️ From Soap Stars to Selling Soaps

So what’s the plan to keep the show afloat?

ITV has submitted an application to trademark the beloved nickname “Corrie” — not just for legal protection, but to monetise the brand like never before.

If approved, the trademark would cover an enormous range of products. Think toiletries, cosmetics, essential oils, perfumes, makeup, hair care, and even suntan lotion. But that’s not all — they’re also eyeing up homeware, including teapots, bed linen, lunchboxes, and even beer glasses. And yes, rain ponchos and bathrobes are on the list too.

As one intellectual property expert explained, the move allows ITV to crack down on unauthorized merchandise, while giving them the power to license “Corrie” products to third-party sellers, raking in royalties along the way.

Fans already familiar with the Coronation Street Gift Shop — nestled beside the popular studio tour — know the appeal. There’s already tote bags, puzzles, quote mugs, and “I ❤️ Corrie” shirts flying off the shelves. But this new trademark push could turn Corrie into a full-blown lifestyle brand.

Imagine it: Corrie-branded shampoo in your bathroom, Corrie slippers by your bed, and a Corrie-themed teapot on the stove.

⚠️ Trouble Brewing Behind the Scenes?

Still, fans are divided. While some are eager to see more Corrie content in their lives, others see the merch push as a sign of deeper problems — and fear that beloved characters are being sacrificed for the sake of survival.

One longtime viewer wrote online: “Feels like they’re selling the soul of the Street one mug at a time.”

Another added: “You can’t replace 40-year icons with lunchboxes and lip balm.”

Still, ITV remains optimistic that expanding the brand — both emotionally and commercially — will give the soap a second wind. And with the show marking its 65th anniversary in just a few years, there’s hope that a new chapter is just beginning.