CORONATION Street actress Shelley King has broken her silence on leaving the show after her character Yasmeen Nazir left Weatherfield for good.

Shelley was one of the stars who fell victim to the cast cull at the start of the year which saw a mass exodus of stars amid the soap’s ongoing struggles and cash crisis.

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Shelley King has broken her silence on her Coronation Street exitCredit: Instagram/@coronationstreet

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The star’s final scenes on the soap aired this weekCredit: ITV
Last night, fans watched as Yasmeen suddenly quit the Cobbles and hot-footed it down to London after getting a brand new job offer to work for a charity.

It marked the end of her time on the soap after 10-and-a-half years.

In a video shared to the official Coronation Street account after her exit aired, actress Shelley opened up on the real reason she no longer wanted to be on the ITV programme as she looked back fondly on her stint on the cobbles.

Speaking on-set from Speed Daal, Shelley said: “I’ve been so privileged to be living in number six.

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“I’ve had the most wonderful time. I’m very sad to be leaving.

“I just felt I’d have to try going back to the stage.”

Shelley continued: “So, as you know, Yas is going to do other things but she will not say goodbye.”

Appearing to confirm that she would eventually return to the soap, she added: “She will say, as the French do, a bientot, which means, see you soon. Somewhere, somehow.”

Shelley then went on to share some thoughts about her infamous domestic abuse storyline with the deeply cruel Geoff Metcalfe.

In 2019 and 2020, Yasmeen was subjected to the most horrific abuse by her husband who attempted to control her.

Coronation Street favourite quits Weatherfield after 11 years – watch her final scenes

His evil actions including forcing Yasmeen to eat her own pet chicken, Charlotte Bronte, locking her in a magician’s box and spying on her in their home.

It received huge praise especially as its grittiest scenes were broadcast over the Covid lockdown – highlighting how abuse can occur behind closed doors.

Shelley said: “I’ve been so privileged to have the story about domestic abuse.

“It was so well written and so well researched, and I’ve had so many letters from you, my audience, all of you saying how much it helped you.

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Yasmeen left Coronation Street for goodCredit: ITV

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Shelley is now hoping to land a stage roleCredit: Instagram/@coronationstreet
“That’s the wonder of Coronation Street. I’m so proud to have been in it this long because there are so many issues that the Street can inform on.”

In yesterday’s episode, fans watched on as Yasmeen said her goodbyes to granddaughter Alya after a rocky 10 years in Weatherfield.

Sitting down with Alya in the Rovers, Yasmeen told her: “I had a call from the charity, someone dropped out and they want me to start immediately.

“I can’t just leave, and I don’t have anywhere to live down there.”

But Alya told her that she could stay with Zeedan until she’s sorted and that she would look after the restaurant until her share is sold.

“Do not pass up this opportunity,” Alya told her grandmother.

“I better go and pack then,” Yasmeen said rushing out.

Later, Yasmeen reflected once again before her final goodbye.

“We have had some trying times on this street,” Yasmeen said.

Yasmeen said: “We survived it together, you’v always been my rock. Are you sure you’re OK with me selling my share to Leanne?

“Time to go, be good. I love you.”

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Yasmeen has been on the show for 10 and a half yearsCredit: ITV