Coronation Street fans have been left devastated after Julie Carp’s (Katy Cavanagh) tragic death in last night’s episode, with many taking to social media to hit out at the ITV soap.

News of Julie’s return to the cobbles after almost a decade away thrilled viewers earlier this year, but they were quickly disappointed to learn that her time in Weatherfield would be short, and her exit permanent.

Shortly after her arrival, Julie confessed to Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) that she had been diagnosed with stage four sarcoma and, with the cancer being terminal, she was unlikely to survive until the summer.

In true Julie fashion, she decided to live what was left of her life to the full, reuniting with former flame Brian Packham (Peter Gunn) and taking plenty of trips.

Last night, her story came to a devastating conclusion when sister Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) returned to their picnic spot at Julie’s favourite place to find her dead.

Fans were quick to take to Twitter/X to share their devastation at Julie’s final scenes, as well as their fury at the Manchester-based soap for its decision to kill off the iconic character.

‘I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive Corrie for killing Julie off,’ Matthew wrote on the social media site, adding: ‘To bring her back after 10 years just for this short, heart-breaking storyline to aid Eileen’s exit was just unnecessary and cruel. Katy Cavanagh, of course, was excellent, though. She always was.’

Patty echoed these sentiments, writing: ‘I’m crying what an emotional goodbye for Julie, a bundle of joy on the street that didn’t deserve this ending, but the acting from Julie and Eileen and the scenes between them in this episode was beautiful. Rest In Peace Julie Carp.’

‘crying at julie carp. fuming at you coronation street,’ Ciara said, while Mari wrote: ‘Omg Julie I want to sob.’

While fans were gutted to lose such a joyful character in such sad scenes, they were quick to share praise for actress Katy Cavanagh and her performance in her final story.

Speaking about her return to the show, Katy previously said: ‘It was really lovely to get the call. It is something I haven’t thought about for many years. And I’m very fond of Julie, so it was a good feeling.

‘It also felt good to be asked to be part of Eileen’s departure story it is perfect to come and have some closure on Julie and Eileen, to revisit her. There was such a lovely vibe between Julie and Eileen.

‘It also attracted me as it was for a short set period of time and I could fit it in with the other things going on in my life.’