Emotions were high in the latest episode of ITV’s Coronation Street as fans said farewell to Summer Spellman (played by Harriet Bibby). Initially, the teen declined the offer to study abroad due to Paul Foreman’s (Peter Ash) impending death.
However, after being encouraged by her stepdad to see the world, Summer agreed and made her exit on Wednesday night. As Paul, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) all gathered to say goodbye, emotions ran high.
Summer told the trio that if Paul’s condition worsens she’d come straight home, not wanting to miss his final moments. It was clear the goodbye was emotional for the teen as she gave each of them a hug holding back tears.
Before getting into a taxi, Summer said: “Right, I love you all so much.” They all wished her well on her venture abroad before she got into her car to leave.
Looking out of the rearview mirror, the teen saw the three men standing there, watching her leave Weatherfield. It wasn’t long before viewers took to Twitter (X) to share their thoughts on Summer’s heartbreaking exit.
@OliReading commented: “Aww I’ll miss our little ray of Summer.”
@suzicarrigan added: “I can’t believe no one is going to the airport with Summer.”
@teenamassam tweeted: “A touching scene between Billy, Paul, Todd and Summer…”
Wee_Westie29 said: “You know Summer will miss Paul’s final goodbye. She’ll be back (probably recast).”
Wondering if the character will be recast, @DavidBoink added: “Will Summer come back with a new head? I hope not as she and Simon would make a lovely couple and nobody is more deserving of him.”
@JamieSummersTV said: “Bye, Summer. She’ll be back, but for now, see ya.”
Actress Harriet Bibby has played the role of Summer for the past four years after taking over the role from Matilda Freeman, although her character has been a staple on the show for the past seven years.
It’s not yet known if her short break from the ITV soap is permanent or whether she’ll be making a return.
Earlier this year, the soap star told The Lincolnite that she’d love to get involved in theatre work.
She said: “I am fully invested in Corrie and have not done any other acting bits. I don’t have any solid plans to leave the show, but there is always something in the back of my head that I would love to do more theatre work.
“I teach singing, so feed into my love of theatre through that.”
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm.