A Coronation Street star has bid farewell to the cobbles following the shock departure of Leanne Battersby

A cherished Coronation Street actor has bid farewell to the famous cobbles, following the departure of Leanne Battersby.

Recently in the soap, iconic character Leanne (played by Jane Danson) was drawn into a mysterious cult by guide Rowan Cunliffe (Emrhys Cooper).

This has caused concern among her loved ones, including fiance Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) and Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor), especially as Toyah was recently diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer.

With no one else to turn to, Nick and Toyah began to grow incredibly close, leading to an unexpected kiss and subsequent affair.

However, their secret was discovered by Rowan, who took a photo of them in a passionate moment. Revealing his true intentions, Rowan has been blackmailing Nick into investing in The Institute’s new resource centre, threatening to expose his affair to Leanne if he refuses.

Leanne Battersby left the cobbles to visit Simon Barlow (Image: ITV)

But this week, Rowan’s scheme backfired when Nick threatened to report him to the police for extortion.

Adding to Rowan’s troubles, Leanne has been prioritising her ill sister over him and The Institute – leaving the sinister mentor not too impressed.

And during Friday’s jam-packed episode (August 16), Toyah was discharged from the hospital, with Leanne insisting on caring for her.

Sam Blakeman joined Leanne on her trip to see Simon (Image: ITV)

However, she received a message from stepson Simon Barlow (Alex Bain), who is working overseas. Simon, stressed at work, asked Leanne to come and visit him.

Despite her initial insistence on staying, Leanne chose to leave the cobbles and visit Simon – but she wasn’t alone.

Nick’s son Sam (Jude Riordan) joined her for the journey during his six-week break, with Nick waving them off as they departed in a taxi.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX