Is Tracy Barlow leaving Coronation Street? ITV soap future revealed amid Kate Ford exit

Tracy Barlow left Coronation Street fans saddened on Friday night, as Kate Ford's character announced another exit.

Just weeks after her return after an abrupt departure earlier this year, Tracy declared she was leaving Weatherfield for good and heading back to Spain. She surprised her daughter Amy with the confession, having returned after an apparent row with new partner Tommy Orpington.

But she soon decided Tommy was the man for her and declared on Friday she was leaving for Spain the next day. Monday's episode will see the character head off abroad yet again, leaving her loved ones behind for the second time this year.

Her family will wave her off and say their farewells as she heads to the airport, with the final scenes airing on Monday 16 September. But has she gone for good this time after speculation Kate was leaving the role?

Fans were certainly fearful of this, with one writing on X: "Whyyyyy are they having Tracy leave again?" Another said: "Don’t want Tracy to leave again, why is she going part time on the street…" as a third wrote: "Why do they keep shipping poor Tracy off to Spain?"

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But fear not soap fans, as it seems Tracy will be back. It's believed Kate Ford is only taking another temporary break just like earlier this year, ahead of a return.

It's been reported that Tracy's return recently was only ever meant to be brief, with a full-time comeback planned for next year if not at least a longer return. The soap has yet to address when Kate will reprise her role and how long for, and what the return storyline will be.

Her ex Steve McDonald, who she cheated on with Tommy, appeared to be ready to move on after learning she planned to leave again. He didn't seem all that bothered amid a possible new romance with Ken Barlow's carer Cassie Plummer.

It's clear the pair like each other but they recently clashed, when Steve ditched her for a former flame. But will Steve and Cassie get together now that Tracy is out of the picture once more?

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads .