Eagle eyed viewers asked why as they spotted a change in this week’s episode

Eagle eyed Coronation Street viewers were taken aback as they spotted a change in this week’s episodes. 2025 has got off to a dramatic start on the Cobbles after Mason Radcliffe died in heartbreaking scenes this week.

The character, played by Luca Toolan, was killed in a knife attack in an issue led storyline to highlight the dangers of carrying a weapon. Luca was honoured to be trusted with such an important storyline as he reflected on his exit.

He said: “What an honour and privilege it’s been to be apart of this show, and to be trusted with this story. Truly. I’ve met some of the most incredible friends I’ll cherish for life that have been beyond supportive and loving.

“I’m at a loss for words to quantify what they mean and what this experience has meant to me. Through the highs and the lows Liam, Charlie and Karen been there since day 1.

“I owe them all so much. To the incredible army that makes this show and to the all the supporters of it thank you for making a lads dream come true. Thanks God always You’ve supported me through all.”

Speaking to the ECHO and other press last year, new show producer Kate Brooks revealed how the storyline is set to have huge ramifications for many of the Coronation Street residents. She said: “We just felt like it was a subject that we couldn’t ignore.

“It has big consequences for people going forward, and it isn’t a subject matter that we tackle lightly. It’s an important one to talk about and let young people know that carrying a bladed article is not the way.”

Abi Webster is one of the characters severely impacted by the storyline as she was one of the first on the scene try and help Mason. The impact particularly hits home as her son in the show, Seb Franklin, was also killed in a knife attack in a storyline in 2021.

At the start of last night’s episode, husband Kevin Webster attempted to take her mind off things as he suggested eating breakfast out. However, Abi was putting on a brave face as she insisted she would be able to move on from what she witnessed.

Viewers following the show on social media platform X were distracted during the scenes as they spotted a big change to the set. Kevin and Abi live at 13 Coronation Street, a home previously occupied by iconic character, Hilda Ogden.

Viewers remembered the famous hatch in the set of the home and spotted this had been updated in the home in last night’s show. Cam said: “Hilda Ogden’s serving hatch is no more! The serving hatch first appeared in 1971 and is the latest cast member to fall to the cast cuts.”

@Corrieart commented: “End of an era!” @ConversationStr posted: “RIP Hilda and Stan’s serving hatch, 1971-2024.” Rurz posted: “What’s happened to Hilda’s serving hatch? Have I missed a story where Kev filled it in?”

Carl posted: “The most shocking think about tonight’s Corrie is that Kevin and Abi have plastered over Hilda’s serving hatch!” Mike added: “When did Kevin cover the hatch with cement and not paint it then putting the smallest picture to try and cover it”

In addition to Luca’s exit, Coronation Street has confirmed a number of other stars will soon be leaving Weatherfield this year. Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker, also announced his exit this week as he told followers on Instagram: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinkers time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025.

“I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the GREATEST street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. “I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy. For Me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me.”

It has also been confirmed that Charlotte Jordan will soon depart her role as Daisy Midgeley. In a statement shared with the ECHO, ITV confirmed the soap star’s exit as a spokesperson said: “The producers fully understand Charlotte’s desire to explore other projects, she is a talented ambitious actress.”

The spokesperson added Charlotte gave the show “plenty of time for the producer and writing team to devise a dramatic exit storyline which has already started to play out screen. She will be on screen until early summer.”

Sue Cleaver’s exit has also been confirmed as her onscreen sister, played by Katy Kavanagh, is set to return to the show next month in an exit storyline that will play out through the spring.