Coronation Street star Cait Fitton, renowned for her portrayal of the feisty teenager Lauren Bolton on the long-running ITV soap, has shared a deeply personal and heartbreaking update with her fans. The actress, who joined the show in 2022, took to social media to mourn the loss of her grandfather, posting emotional tributes that have resonated with her followers.
A Heartbreaking Announcement
In a series of poignant posts on her Instagram account, which boasts over 62,000 followers, Cait Fitton revealed the sad news of her grandfather's passing. Last week, she shared a photo from his funeral, featuring a football T-shirt and a cushion inscribed with 'Greatest grandad', capturing a moment of profound grief and remembrance.
Emotional Tributes Shared Online
Cait captioned the funeral photo with a heartfelt message: "Said goodbye to my hero today. My best mate till the day I die, always and forever your little dancing queen RIP GDAD." This tribute followed an earlier post from last month, where she announced his death just days before his birthday. In that update, she penned, "Happy heavenly birthday to my best buddy. It's been just over a week since you left us... and I'm still trying to navigate how to get through this without you. Hope you are dancing up there with gran."
The young actress, known for keeping her fans updated with behind-the-scenes snaps from Coronation Street and sun-soaked holiday photos, has now opened up about this personal loss, showcasing a vulnerable side away from the dramatic storylines of Weatherfield.
Balancing Personal Grief with Professional Milestones
Amidst her mourning, Cait Fitton recently celebrated a significant professional achievement: three years on Coronation Street. Marking the milestone on Instagram, she reflected on her time playing Lauren Bolton, describing the character as a "pocket rocket" and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. She wrote, "3 years playing the pocket rocket that is Lozza Bolton. Time flies when you really are having fun. Let’s look back on some of my favourite moments so far..."
She added, "Thank you everyone who has shown nothing but love towards Lauren over the past 3 years. I love playing a character that is so complex to play. I love her! I feel so proud and privileged to have been given the honour to play out such inspiring stories and raise such important issues throughout my time on the cobbles so far." Cait also thanked Coronation Street and her agent, Brooke Kinsella, for their support, noting, "I will forever be grateful to call this my job."
Lauren Bolton's Dramatic Journey on the Cobbles
Since her debut in 2022, Cait Fitton's character Lauren Bolton has been central to several high-stakes plotlines on Coronation Street. From navigating life with her racist far-right extremist father, Reece Bolton, portrayed by Scott Anson, to the intense storyline involving the killing of her abuser Joel Deering, played by Calum Lill, Lauren's arc has been filled with drama and social commentary. These storylines have allowed Cait to showcase her acting range, tackling complex issues that resonate with viewers.
As Cait Fitton continues to balance her personal grief with her professional commitments, fans have rallied around her with messages of support. Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, where viewers can follow Lauren Bolton's ongoing journey on the cobbles.
