Yep, you've read that right! After 12 years, Faye Windass is leaving Coronation Street.
Miley's recent return with Jackson has thrown Faye into a myriad of emotional conflicts. She’s got doubts about her flakey relationship with Craig, wants to be a mother to her daughter, and is harbouring feelings for her baby daddy. Although originally reluctant, Faye has quickly fallen in love with her daughter and shared a kiss with Jackson. With Craig resorting to blackmail, Faye is pushed to the brink, and after reconciling with PC Tinker, she says a sad farewell to Weatherfield.
Being your intrepid Corrie blogger is always a treat, and no more so than when I join a Corrie online press day to chat with the cast!
A few weeks ago I shared screentime with Ellie Leach, who told us about her screen debut, Faye’s final storyline, and her favourite moment from 12 years in Weatherfield!
Hi Ellie! Faye's become torn between her daughter and her life on the cobbles. How hard has it been for Faye?
Yes, it's been tough. When Miley first returned, Faye was adamant she didn't want anything to do with her as she feared this was how things would turn out. I think she's struggling because she doesn't know how these two factors of her life could come together?! She must choose between one or the other. It's a whole lot of heartache that she wanted to avoid.
What are her feelings for Jackson?
I think she’s torn between this life that she's got with Craig and what her life could be like with Miley and Jackson. She's seen how much of a great dad he is. She's thinking about the life she could have with her family. She can't have any children with Craig, so she's torn. In her heart, she knows how she feels about Jackson, but in her head, she doesn't want to leave the street just for the sake of her child, and she worries about how it will all pan out.
Why did Faye accept Craig’s proposal?
It's hard for her because she has a lot of love for Craig, but I don't think she’s in love with Craig anymore. Obviously, the kiss happened with Jackson, just previously to the proposal, so she’s got a lot of emotions running around in her head. Her family were there for the proposal, as were Craig’s, and Glenda was singing away in the background - how could she say no?! It's whether she follows her head or her heart as Jackson has also offered to take her away with this ready-made family.
Craig desperately tries to hold on to Faye, and he starts mentioning the hit-and-run accident. He does kind of start to blackmail her. Does she see Craig in a different light?
Yeah, definitely. I think everyone knows that Craig is a fun-loving, kind character, and we've not seen him act like this before. As much as it drives her to stay because she’s scared of that getting out, it also drives her further away as she doesn't want to be in a relationship with a blackmailer nor does she want to go back to jail, so she’s stuck. He’s clutching at straws, as he’s also involved in this - she’s scared of everyone finding out.
In real-life you are good friends with Colson Smith, who plays Craig, how did it feel filming those scenes together?
Colson is my best mate, and we always have a laugh, whatever scenes we are filming. We've worked together for so many years now, and we know each other so well, it's good that we can do hard-hitting scenes and be perfect friends afterwards.
Faye decides to stay on the street, but Craig gives in and tells her that if she wants to go to Slough with Miley, she should do it. If he hadn't said that, do you think she would have still stayed?
The overriding feeling was that she wanted to be with her daughter. Craig held a massive secret against her. Would that have jeopardised her family? - I don't know. She doesn't want to watch her daughter leave but doesn't want the secret to come out.
After hearing Craig say those words, she decides to leave the street, and the policeman is heartbroken. Can you describe your final scene to us?
It was very emotional. It's Faye leaving the street after 12 years, but also me leaving after 12 years as well. The saddest part of the scene is when they are in the taxi, Faye sees Craig walking the street on his own. Faye stops the taxi and tells him she will always love him. It is sad because we see two people who love each other, but there are too many other factors to make it work.
Can you remember your first ever scene on the show?
Yes, it was on location. She was about to be fostered by Eddie and Anna who'd brought a cake to the foster home with them. I was little, so young, and had pigtails in. It's crazy to think that it was 12 years ago. Growing up on Coronation Street was the best experience -everyone made me feel welcome. When I first started, Brooke (Brooke Vincent - Sophie Webster) my cousin told me to be myself and be on time. Coronation Street will always be part of me, and Faye will always be part of me.
What was your favourite moment on the street?
I remember (filming a scene) when Faye realised that she may have been pregnant but didn't want to buy a test so she sent Craig into Dev’s shop. When we were filming, Colson knocked a loaf of bread off the shelf, and the whole frame fell over. We looked at each other, started laughing, and realised we couldn't carry on the scene. It was so funny!
Thank you, Ellie - all the best for the future!
Farewell then, Faye Windass! Craig is now single again, and Underworld has lost another staff member! Will you miss this long-standing character, or are you glad to see her leave with a happy ending? Let us know in the comments box.
Tune into Coronation Street next week to catch Faye's final scenes.
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