Is Maureen Lipman Leaving Coronation Street? Why is She Leaving?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 01, 2023
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British television soap opera that was created by Granada Television and has been airing on ITV since December 9, 1960. The series is set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, which is based on the inner-city area of Salford in England. The iconic street featured in the show is cobbled and consists of terraced houses.
Originally, Coronation Street was broadcast twice a week, but in 2017, it transitioned to airing six times a week. The programme was initially conceived by scriptwriter Tony Warren, although his original proposal was initially rejected by Sidney Bernstein, the founder of the station. However, producer Harry Elton convinced Bernstein to produce 13 pilot episodes, and from there, the show went on to become a significant part of British culture.
Coronation Street is currently produced by ITV Studios, which is the successor to Granada, and it is filmed at MediaCityUK. The show is broadcast in all ITV regions and has gained international popularity. In 2010, upon its 50th anniversary, Coronation Street was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's longest-running television soap opera. The series initially drew inspiration from the conventions of kitchen sink realism, and it is known for its portrayal of a working-class community with a blend of light-hearted humor and strong characters.
With an average of around five million viewers per episode, Coronation Street remains a highly watched show. It reached a significant milestone in February 2020 when it premiered its 10,000th episode. Later that year, the series celebrated its 60th anniversary, solidifying its enduring presence in the television landscape.
Is Maureen Lipman Leaving Coronation Street?
Yes, Maureen Lipman is leaving Coronation Street temporarily. Maureen Lipman, the actress who portrays Evelyn Plummer on Coronation Street, is taking a temporary break from the show. Lipman recently admitted feeling worn out by her character's emotional exit storyline. It was announced earlier this year that she would be taking a short break, and her departure is expected to coincide with the arrival of Cassie, the biological mother of Tyrone Dobbs.
During Lipman's appearance on Loose Women, she revealed the intensity of her recent scenes, stating that she had to learn seven scenes per day. She even mentioned feeling overwhelmed and unable to continue at times. A photo was shown to the panel and audience, depicting Lipman lying on the floor, emphasizing the toll the role has taken on her.
While Lipman is temporarily leaving the show, actress Claire Sweeney, known for her role in Brookside, will be joining Coronation Street as Cassie. Sweeney expressed her excitement and gratitude for being cast in the iconic soap opera, stating that being on Coronation Street is even better than being cast in a Hollywood movie. She expressed her admiration for Lipman, her co-star, and her anticipation of playing the character Cassie, who is expected to make a significant impact on the show.
Maureen Lipman is taking a temporary break from Coronation Street due to her character's emotional exit storyline, but there is no indication of her permanently leaving the show. Claire Sweeney will be stepping into the role of Cassie, with her arrival expected to bring major developments and shocks to the cobbled streets of Weatherfield.
Why is Maureen Lipman Leaving Coronation Street?
At present, there is no official confirmation regarding Maureen Lipman permanently leaving Coronation Street. However, it has been announced that Lipman will be taking a temporary break from the show. The decision for her departure seems to be tied to the storyline involving Evelyn Plummer, Lipman's character, and the introduction of Cassie, the biological mother of Tyrone Dobbs.
According to Lipman's recent statements, she has expressed feelings of exhaustion and being worn out by the emotional exit storyline she has been involved in. The intensity of her scenes, coupled with the demands of portraying the emotional turmoil of her character, appears to have taken a toll on her. Lipman even shared her experience of having to learn and perform seven scenes per day, leading her to a point where she felt she couldn't go on.
While the exact details surrounding Lipman's temporary departure have not been revealed, it seems to be a planned break from the show rather than an indication of her permanent exit. Her absence will coincide with the arrival of Claire Sweeney, who will portray Cassie on the show. Sweeney has expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Lipman, describing Lipman as one of her heroes.
While Maureen Lipman is taking a temporary break from Coronation Street, there is no confirmed information suggesting that she is permanently leaving the show. Her departure appears to be a result of the emotionally challenging storyline involving her character, Evelyn Plummer, and the introduction of Cassie. Lipman's exhaustion and the demanding nature of her recent scenes have contributed to her decision to take a break.
What is the Role of Maureen Lipman in Coronation Street?
Maureen Lipman plays Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street. She is the maternal grandmother of Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street. Tyrone's search for his true parentage led him to Evelyn in 2018. Discovering that Jackie Dobbs was not his biological mother, Tyrone found evidence indicating that Evelyn's daughter, Cassandra, was his birth mother.
In 1982, Evelyn had made the difficult decision to leave Cassandra's baby son at a police station due to her daughter's drug addiction. However, she later regretted her actions after helping Cassie overcome her addiction, but by then, the child had disappeared without a trace. Initially, Evelyn displayed hostility towards Tyrone, but eventually, she agreed to move into 9 Coronation Street, joining him, his partner Fiz, and their children Hope and Ruby, after being evicted from her own home.
Throughout her time on the street, Evelyn established herself as a sharp and persuasive individual, adept at getting people to do what she wanted. She grew deeply fond of her grandson and his family, even turning down an invitation from her old flame Arthur Medwin to move to Canada with him in 2021, choosing to stay in Weatherfield instead.
Following Tyrone and Fiz's separation, Evelyn continued living at No.9 with Fiz, Hope, Ruby, and her loyal greyhound, Cerberus. The family reunited in the middle of 2022, but sadly, Cerberus passed away in 2023.
About Maureen Lipman
Maureen Lipman is a notable English actress, writer, and comedian. She received her training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Throughout her career, Lipman has performed on stage, including appearances with prestigious institutions such as the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her contributions to charity, entertainment, and the arts were recognized in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours when she was bestowed the title of dame.
Lipman was born in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Maurice Julius Lipman and Zelma Pearlman. Her father worked as a tailor and owned a shop located between the Ferens Art Gallery and Monument Bridge. Growing up in a Jewish household, Lipman found post-war Hull to be a welcoming place for the Jewish community. She resided on Northfield Road in Hull and attended Wheeler Primary School.
Later, she enrolled at Newland School for Girls in Hull, where her interest in performing arts flourished. As a youth, she actively participated in school shows, attended an early Beatles concert, and developed a passion for acting after watching Elizabeth Taylor's Butterfield 8 multiple times. Lipman's talent for impersonations, particularly of Alma Cogan, was nurtured by her mother, who would take her to pantomimes and encourage her to take the stage.
To pursue her acting ambitions, Lipman pursued formal training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). This education provided her with a solid foundation for her career in the performing arts. Maureen Lipman has had a distinguished career in acting, writing, and comedy, earning her place as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Is Maureen Lipman Leaving Coronation Street - FAQs
There is no official confirmation of Maureen Lipman permanently leaving Coronation Street. She is taking a temporary break from the show.
Maureen Lipman is taking a break from Coronation Street, possibly due to the emotionally intense exit storyline of her character, Evelyn Plummer.
There is no specific information available about Maureen Lipman's return date to Coronation Street. It depends on the duration of her temporary break.
During Maureen Lipman's absence, Claire Sweeney will be joining Coronation Street as Cassie, the biological mother of Tyrone Dobbs.
There is no indication that Evelyn Plummer, played by Maureen Lipman, will be permanently written out of Coronation Street. Her temporary break suggests that the character will likely return to the show in the future.