Roy Cropper star branded ‘best human’ amid Coronation Street exit scenes
Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown has confirmed she has filmed her final scenes on the cobbles, and the actress marked the emotional milestone with a heartfelt Instagram post paying tribute to her long-time co-star David Neilson.
The 28-year-old actor, who has played fan-favourite Dee-Dee Bailey since 2022, shared a photo yesterday from the iconic Roy’s Rolls set, standing beside Roy Cropper himself. Alongside the warm behind-the-scenes snap, Channique wrote: ‘Last time sharing the screen with the best of humans to know & work with.’
The message all but confirms that Dee-Dee’s last scenes are fast approaching on screen, following Channique’s announcement earlier this year that she had chosen to leave the ITV soap after three whirlwind years.
For many fans, the post represents the first tangible sign that her departure is no longer in the distant future; it’s happening now, and her final episodes are already in the pipeline.
‘The end of an era’: Channique opens up about her exit
Viewers were stunned when news broke that Channique would be leaving Weatherfield. Dee-Dee has become a cornerstone of the Bailey family since her arrival in 2022 and, as one of the soap’s few solicitors, has anchored some of Corrie’s most important storylines.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Channique revealed she had actually made the decision some time ago, explaining she felt the moment was right to explore new creative opportunities and challenge herself beyond the cobbles. While she kept specific future plans under wraps, she hinted that she is looking ahead to diverse roles and new artistic ventures.
She revealed she made the call back in spring, taking several months to even respond to her offer for another year on the show. She said she eventually reached a deep sense of peace that she had ‘done what I’d come to do,’ describing the choice as both brave and bittersweet.
In an earlier Instagram post reflecting on her final months in Weatherfield, she wrote:
‘After three whirlwind years of Dee-Dee Bailey, I’ve decided to say farewell to the cobbles. Bittersweet to be saying goodbye, but I am so excited for pastures new and enjoying the end of playing Princess Diana and her many expressions.’
She accompanied the message with a carousel of Dee-Dee’s most iconic reaction shots, a fitting farewell to a character loved for her humour, warmth and expressive personality.
Channique confirmed that she had officially wrapped filming, sharing two photographs marking what she called: ‘That’s a wrap x2!’
One photo showed her beaming outside the Coronation Street studios in Trafford, jumping in the air with excitement. The second featured the actress in running gear, proudly holding her medal after completing the Manchester Half Marathon.
‘Quite the week – she doesn’t do things by half (except marathons 
),’ she joked, and fans and colleagues rushed to send their well-wishes.
Support poured in instantly from co-stars, viewers and ITV staff. One fan wrote: ‘Congratulations honey I’m beyond proud of you.’ Another added: ‘Best of luck for whatever you do next, loved Dee-Dee xx.’
ITV’s own Communications & Engagement Manager AJ Dean posted a heartfelt tribute, saying:
‘It has been a joy to see you grow over these past years lass – you’re a consummate actor and a lovely part of the team. You’ll be missed but I can’t wait to see what happens next for you.’
Since arriving on the cobbles, Dee-Dee Bailey has been at the very centre of some of Coronation Street’s most gripping narratives. Channique quickly established the character as a fierce, compassionate and sharp-witted lawyer who often found herself fighting battles both inside and outside the courtroom.
Dee-Dee’s unfortunate love life…
Dee-Dee’s romantic life has been nothing short of disastrous. Her relationship with sinister solicitor Joel Deering left viewers shouting at their screens as she became entangled with one of Corrie’s most chilling villains in years. As Joel’s crimes unravelled, Dee-Dee remained determined to uncover the truth, making her upcoming departure all the more devastating for fans who hoped she would be there to see justice done.
Her current storyline with mysterious newcomer Ollie has also intrigued audiences, but with her confirmed exit, it seems unlikely the relationship will get the smooth future some viewers hoped for.
Alternatively, Dee-Dee’s turbulent love life may take centre stage in her final weeks, particularly the fallout from Joel’s crimes and questions surrounding Ollie’s honesty.
What will Dee-Dee’s final storyline be?
ITV has yet to confirm how Dee-Dee will leave Weatherfield, but speculation is swirling among fans.
One possibility is that Dee-Dee’s exit may tie into the highly anticipated Corrie–Emmerdale crossover episode, set to air in the New Year. The special one-off hour is expected to bring both soaps together for a storyline kept tightly under wraps.
A farewell filled with warmth and gratitude
What is clear from Channique’s Instagram stories and farewell posts is the deep affection she holds for her Corrie castmates, particularly David Neilson, who she honoured in her Roy’s Rolls goodbye snap. Calling him ‘the best of humans’ is high praise from a star who has worked closely with some of the soap’s biggest icons, and the message left fans emotional, marking the first real glimpse into her final day on set.
Her last day, she says, was ‘so emotional but lovely,’ describing how every corridor felt significant, every walk across the cobbles, every moment inside The Rovers. She joked that she tried (and failed) to sneak out one of Roy’s Santa-themed salt and pepper shakers, but she did take home Dee-Dee’s signature ‘D’ necklace and several beloved wardrobe pieces.
With her final scenes soon to air, Coronation Street viewers are preparing to say goodbye to Dee-Dee Bailey. Whatever comes next for Channique Sterling-Brown, one thing is certain: the cobbles will feel her absence, but her next chapter is only just beginning.