Why did Faye Brookes leave Coronation Street? Shock Corrie exit explained
It's a question that's been on the lips of fans of British soaps since 2019: why did Faye Brookes leave Coronation Street?
The star was actually one of seven Corrie actors who announced their departure from the show that year.
At the time, Faye took to Twitter to reveal that she'd be leaving Corrie, and she told fans that she was going to "pastures new".
Faye Brookes played Kate Connor in Coronation Street (Credit: ITV)
Why did Faye Brookes leave Coronation Street?
On Twitter, Faye explained why she quit Corrie, stressing that she needed a "little break".
She wrote: "Thanks to everyone for your amazing support, but after 4 fabulous years in Weatherfield it's time for me to explore new opportunities. I've loved playing Kate Connor, but she needs a break for a little while and so with a song in my heart I'm off to pastures new [sic]."
A spokesperson for the British ITV drama also said in a statement:
"Faye is a very talented actress who has put her all into the portrayal of Kate Connor for the past three and a half years. We wish her every success for the future. She will be on screen until early autumn and the door will be left open."
READ MORE: Why did Faye Brookes and Gareth Gates split?
It was reported that the 33-year-old quit the show to do more travelling, as well as to spend more time with her then-fiancé, Gareth Gates.
The actress also admitted that playing Kate was demanding. Per Entertainment Daily, she said: "It’s been very draining. I want to leave all that at the door, let go of it and go home. But I end up going home and mulling it over, and I’m just glad that I have a good support system. I have people who will tell me when I’m being a drama queen and to pull my socks up and shake it off."
Alongside Faye, Lucy Fallon and Katie McGlynn announced their departure in the same week. In t0tal, seven cast members left Corrie in 2019.
Faye Brookes has explained why she decided to leave Coronation Street (Credit: ITV)
What happened to Kate in Coronation Street?
During her time on the show, Faye's character Kate had relationships with Sally Webster's daughter Sophie, and eventually a passionate affair with Rana Nazir.
After discovering her sexuality, Kate entered into a long-term relationship with Caz Hammond. However, because Caz was a soldier in the army, the pair struggled to maintain their relationship due to the distance.
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Kate ended the engagement, then had a brief fling with Imogen Pascoe. However, during her time with Imogen, her friend Rana Nazir developed feelings for her, which she eventually confessed to.
The relationship met a tragic end, however, when Rana passed away.
Viewers of Corrie were left reeling after Rana died in a factory collapse, on what was meant to be her wedding day. Rana became trapped when the building started crumbling and left her would-be wife waiting at the aisle. The couple, did, however, manage to exchange their vows prior to Rana's death.
Kate was devastated when Rana died (Credit: ITV)
How did Faye Brookes become famous?
The British actress, who hails from Manchester, is best known for playing Kate Connor in Coronation Street.
Faye came to the attention of producers back in 2014, when she took on the role of Frankie in the BBC One drama, Our Zoo.
One year later, in 2015, she made her debut in Corrie as Kate Connor. She played the sister of Aidan, and the half-sister of Carla. She was Johnny's daughter.
Faye hasn't ruled out a return to Corrie (Credit: PA)
What else has Faye Brooks starred in?
Faye has also performed on stage during her career.
The actress took the lead in a production of Legally Blonde. And she has played the role of Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical on tour.
Prior to landing a role on Coronation Street, she had a small part in the BBC adventure series, Atlantis.
And in Christmas of 2019, she performed in a pantomime adaption of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in the starring role at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
Faye is currently competing in Dancing on Ice 2021 (Credit: ITV)
What is Faye Brookes doing now?
Faye is currently competing in the 2021 series of Dancing on Ice.
The star broke the news on Lorraine back in September 2020. Speaking to host Lorraine Kelly, she said:
"I’m so excited! I had to meet with the team, they had to see me on the ice and there was a coach to review the basics. The producers get to know you and this is the first time people will get to see me – not being a character, not hiding behind anything, just Faye."
She did, however, admit that she has had little experience when it comes to ice dancing.
"I might be Bambi but my dad used to play ice hockey so we did that often. There were no official lessons but we had fun as a weekend activity," she continued.
Faye's former co-stars, Brooke Vincent and Samia Ghadie, are also due to join the ice skating competition.
"As soon as this interview is over I can contact them but I’ve obviously had to keep this to myself. It’s the biggest secret I’ve kept in my life!" Faye told Lorraine. "I saw Brooke yesterday and I was desperate to tell her but I thought one more day and I’ll be able to. She’ll be my first text message after I’ve finished this interview."
When the series ends, Faye hasn't ruled out a possible return to Coronation Street.