Original Summer Spellman Actress: Life After Coronation Street
As Summer Spellman navigates profound grief following the death of Billy Mayhew on Coronation Street, attention turns to the original actress who brought the character to life. Matilda Freeman, who first portrayed Summer on the iconic cobbles, has embarked on a diverse career path since her departure from the long-running ITV soap.
The Beginning on the Cobbles
Matilda Freeman joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2017, introducing Summer Spellman as the adopted daughter of Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, and Todd Grimshaw, portrayed by Gareth Pierce. Reflecting on securing the role, Freeman expressed initial surprise but deep appreciation. "It was very exciting. Coronation Street was not a show I had watched, however I was very aware of the importance it had in a lot of people's lives," she recalled. "My nan loved the show and so did a couple of my friends at school, so I was really thrilled to tell them when I got the role."
The Decision to Depart
After appearing in 147 episodes over three and a half years, Matilda Freeman announced her exit from Coronation Street in 2020. At the time, she expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and viewers, stating, "After three and a half lovely years I felt it was time for a change and I'm excited to be starting that next chapter with a new role." The character of Summer was subsequently recast, with Harriet Bibby taking over the role.
In 2021, Freeman provided further insight into her decision during an Instagram Q&A session. She revealed that the contractual limitations of working on the soap influenced her choice. "To be able to work on other shows, films and projects," she explained when asked about her reasons for leaving. "When you work at Corrie you're under a contract which means you can't work on anything else while you're there – so it was quite limiting." This candid admission highlighted her desire for greater artistic flexibility and variety in her acting career.
Career Evolution and New Look
Since leaving Coronation Street, Matilda Freeman's career has flourished across television and streaming platforms. Her post-soap roles include:
- Appearing as teenage Lin in an episode of the BBC series Alma's Not Normal in 2021.
- Portraying Lil in the 2024 ITV drama Passenger.
- Securing a role in the upcoming Netflix show How To Get To Heaven From Belfast.
Alongside her professional achievements, Freeman has undergone a notable transformation in her appearance. She has swapped her signature blonde locks for a stunning auburn hairstyle, which has captivated fans. On a recent Instagram post from a screening event for How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, followers praised her new look, with comments describing her as "breathtaking" and "so beautiful."
Legacy and Current Context
While Matilda Freeman builds her career beyond Weatherfield, the character of Summer Spellman remains a central figure on Coronation Street. The recent storyline involving Billy Mayhew's tragic death in the epic Corriedale episode has placed Summer at the heart of emotional narratives, including attending Billy's funeral in late January episodes. This juxtaposition underscores the enduring impact of Freeman's original portrayal and the character's evolution under new stewardship.
Coronation Street continues to air Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, maintaining its place as a cornerstone of British television drama.
