In a poignant turn on the cobbles, Dee Dee Bailey has bid farewell to Coronation Street after three years on the iconic ITV soap. The character, portrayed by actress Channique Sterling-Brown, 28, departed Weatherfield in emotional scenes that aired on Friday, 19 December 2025.
A Bittersweet Departure for Singapore
The lawyer's exit storyline saw her accepting a new job opportunity in Singapore, forcing her to leave her family and friends on the famous Manchester street behind. However, her departure was clouded by unresolved conflict with her brother, James Bailey (played by Jason Callender).
The tension stemmed from the guardianship of Dee Dee's baby daughter, Leila. Following her traumatic relationship with the abusive Joel Deering, it was initially agreed James would become the child's guardian. This arrangement was never made official, leaving James heartbroken and angry when Dee Dee announced her sudden plans to move abroad.
Last-Minute Reconciliation and Fan Reaction
The final episode depicted a frosty atmosphere, with James skipping his sister's goodbye meal at Speed Daal. He attempted to distract himself by arranging a secret meeting with Carl Webster, a move that nearly backfired when Carl's partner, Abi, saw the incriminating text message.
After a heart-to-heart with Carl, who urged him to prioritise his family, James had a change of heart. He raced to catch Dee Dee just as she was loading a taxi on the street. The siblings shared a touching last-minute truce.
"I couldn't let you go without saying goodbye. I'm sorry I made things so awkward," James told her. Dee Dee replied warmly, "You've nothing to apologise for, nothing at all. You will always be a big part of our life."
As the cab pulled away, Dee Dee looked at her baby and said, "Just me and you, then, baby girl. Let's do this."
However, fans were quick to voice a major complaint online. Many were disappointed that Dee Dee will not be present for the imminent wedding of her uncle, Ronnie Bailey, to Debbie Webster, which is just weeks away in the soap's timeline.
One viewer wrote on social media: "I’m actually emotional im gonna miss Dee Dee she should’ve been there for Debbie’s wedding," while another commented, "Dee Dee could have left after the wedding!" Others described the exit as "understated" but expressed they would miss the character dearly.
Actress Channique Sterling-Brown Explains Her Decision to Leave
In an interview with The Mirror and other press outlets, Channique Sterling-Brown explained her reasons for leaving the role. She revealed she made the decision in the spring of 2025 after careful consideration and prayer.
"It wasn't a rash decision," the actress stated. "I really took a couple of months from being offered my next year contract to actually even respond. I felt really torn, but I really just had... the sense that it just felt like the time."
She became emotional, adding, "I found a real sense that I had done what I'd come to do... so it was time to be brave." Sterling-Brown praised her character's journey from being "ditsy" to showing great strength and heart, particularly through storylines involving Paul, Adam, and her father's gambling addiction.
Coronation Street continues to air on ITV1 and ITV X on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8pm.
