Coronation Street viewers have been left speculating that Kirk Sutherland will be the next character to depart the Cobbles following Beth Tinker’s abrupt exit

Coronation Street fans are left in suspense as they fear Kirk Sutherland may be the next to depart from the Cobbles, following Beth Tinker’s sudden exit.

On Friday (August 30), after a 13-year stint, Beth bid farewell to Weatherfield, seemingly leaving her on-screen partner Kirk (Andy Whyment) behind. Beth’s departure was triggered when she got entangled in shady business and lost her job at the factory.

The much-loved character found herself at odds with corrupt policeman Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) after uncovering his exploitation of her counterfeit T-shirt enterprise.

In retaliation, Kit intoxicated his colleague Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) and coaxed him into revealing his illicit activities.

He then used this information to intimidate Beth, warning that her son’s career would be jeopardised if she ever exposed the video of him interacting with the fraudulent clothes dealer.

Corrie fans are wondering why Kirk didn’t leave with Beth (Image: ITV)

After attempting to extort £400 from Kit, he issued Beth a stern warning, leaving her no choice but to step aside for the sake of her son Craig. Adding to the emotional intensity of the exit, Kirk had proposed, offering Beth everything she desired and more.

However, Beth chose to make a hasty exit and couldn’t hold back the tears as she wept to her son Craig before heading off to Norfolk for a new job opportunity.

As she got into a taxi, it was evident that she was upset that her Kirk hadn’t come to see her off, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Beth bid an emotional farewell to Kirk (Image: ITV)

Coronation Street fans are speculating whether Kirk will follow Beth to Norfolk, sparking rumours of his potential departure from Weatherfield. Kirk first graced the cobbles in 2000 as Maria’s brother and has been a staple character ever since.

Fans on Reddit have been voicing their opinions, with one stating: “Does anybody find it contrived that Kirk didn’t go with Beth? They were together for 10 years, I just don’t buy Beth not letting him go with her.”

Another chimed in, suggesting: “In reality they should have both moved to Norfolk.” Questions about Kirk’s role in the show were raised by another fan: “Does Kirk ever have actual storylines? He is always just kinda there”, while someone else expressed affection for the character: “I like him too! I’d be sad if he was written off.”

Yet, there’s hope among viewers for Kirk’s future, as one fan remarked: “Kirk needs to move on and find someone better.”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV1 and ITVX