Coronation Street star Lisa George to leave Beth Tinker role

Lisa George has reportedly quit her role as Beth Tinker in Coronation Street.

The actress has played the role of Beth for 13 years after joining the ITV1 soap in 2011. She is leaving to ‘take on new challenges’, according to The Sun.

A source told the tabloid:

“Lisa has been on Corrie for a long time and she’s had some great storylines. She’s become a firm fan favourite with her comedy scenes but has had viewers sobbing in heart-breaking plots like Sinead’s death. She loves Corrie and it’s in her bones but she feels now is the right time to move on and take on new challenges.”

Beth was introduced as an old flame Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) sought to rekindle. However, Steve was surprised by how much Beth had changed and so romance didn’t blossom between the pair.

Beth moved onto the street with her son Craig, played by Colson Smith, and began working at the factory. The character is probably best known for her long-running relationship with Kirk Sutherland (Andrew Whyment), which has been tested several times.

George is the second Coronation Street actor to be reported as leaving the show this week following reports that Alex Bain is to leave his role as Simon Barlow after 15 years. It follows the departure of his on-screen father Peter, played by Chris Gascoyne, who bowed out on screen on Boxing Day.