Coronation Street’s Julia Goulding has admitted she is “devastated” that a number of her co-stars are leaving the show. The 39-year-old is renowned for her role as Shona Platt in the fictional soap.
Julia joined the Cobbles in 2016 and has formed a close bond with members of the cast across her nine years in Weatherfield. ITV has confirmed a raft of stars will be leaving the show over the next 12 months and Julia said she is particularly sad to be waving goodbye to Paddy Bever, who plays onscreen family member, Max Turner, and Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley.
On her reaction to Paddy’s exit, she told the ECHO and other press: “Devastated. I love Paddy so much and I could actually be his mother, it’s ridiculous. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him and I would love to see him come back at some point, but I don’t know where his life is going to take him. Really sad to lose him.
“And Charlie, don’t even get me started. I’m furious with her for leaving. I’m losing all of my mates.” It’s not all bad news for Julia though as she is thrilled to welcome her long-time friend, Farrel Hegarty, to the cast.
The newcomer arrived on the show this month as “nightmare neighbour”, Lou Michaelis, and Julia said she has quickly settled behind the scenes. She added: “We’ve known eachother for 20 years. It’s wonderful having her here. I’ve not done any scenes with her, but I did ask [show boss] Kate [Brooks] if we possibly could at some point. She’s wonderful and is perfect for Corrie.”
Julia’s importance to Corrie is showing no signs of waning as she continues to be at the centre of a number of major storylines. The Platts’ turbulent time is set to continue next week as Max is set to learn his sentence for his part in starting the fire to the family home.
Things will get even worse for the fictional family when David Platt and Daisy are involved in a hit and run, which leaves both characters fighting for their life. Scenes in an episode broadcast next Wednesday (March 5) will see David, played by Jack P Shepherd, drown his sorrows at the Rovers Return as he figures out how to repay his debt to gangster, Harvey Gaskell.
Meanwhile, Daisy will be confronted by Daniel Osbourne about the identity of the baby’s father. The character will quickly dash out the pub at the same time as David stumbles onto the road and they will both be hit by a car.
David’s fate remains uncertain after the crash as Julia lifted the lid on what it is like to film the gory scenes. She said: “There was a lot of blood. Jack was on the floor for a couple of days and we were both covered in this sticky, syrupy blood. I think we wore quite dark clothing as well to not upset compliance.”
David Platt will be left for dead after the dramatic scenes in Coronation Street
The stunt is the second of the year for the Platts after the fire and Julia said she always enjoys being a part of ambitious set pieces such as this. She said: “We have a fantastic gang with all the actors and the crew. You’re switching from really serious stuff and then absolutely side splitting laughing when the cameras aren’t rolling.”
Julia remained tight lipped on what the future will hold for her character but it seems her unsettled period will continue as she looks forward to staying an integral part to the show and teased her onscreen husband’s legendary 25 year stint on the show may come to an end. She said: “David’s going to be either dead or out of action. I can’t possibly say which. And with Max’s sentencing and everything, [Shona’s] putting out fires rather than being the fire.”