Actor Beth Nixon has left the ITV soap opera Coronation Street following the conclusion of a grooming storyline that saw her character sentenced to prison.
In the episode broadcast on Friday, July 3, 2026, viewers saw former athletics coach Megan Walsh found guilty of grooming teenager Will Driscoll, played by Lucas Hodgson-Wale.
>>> Princess of Wales Completes Three Peaks Challenge for Cancer Charity
The court sentenced Walsh to five years in prison, ending Nixon's time on the show since her debut in November.
Fans widely praised Nixon's performance on social media after the episode aired. The storyline was developed with guidance from children's charity Barnardo's.
Nixon Reflects on Departure
Discussing her exit on an industry podcast, Nixon acknowledged the narrative necessity of the sentence. "We always knew that she was going to serve her time," she said.
"It's definitely important to show that, if you are being abused, then you can get justice."
>>> Belgium Challenges FIFA Ruling Reversing Folarin Balogun Suspension
Nixon expressed gratitude for her time on set and left the door open for a possible return. "I'd love any opportunity to come back," she added.
"I loved it so much and I cried so much on my last day.
It's just such a fab place to work and I felt so blessed to have been given the storyline."
Coronation Street continues to air weeknights at 8:30 p. m.
>>> Barrie Snow Pile Survives July Heat Thanks to Compaction
on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX.
