When Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) upped sticks and left the grimy cobbles of Coronation Street for the sun, sea and other pleasures of Spain it was devastating news for fans and even more devastating for her husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).
Tracy’s departure came after she embarked on an affair with former footballer turned painter and decorator Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).
Eventually, the affair was exposed when Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) caught her in a compromising situation with the former Weatherfield County icon.
Then Tommy was offered a job in Spain and Tracy eventually decided to join him – leaving poor Steve heartbroken.
Poor Steve!
He’s tried to move on and has been on a few dates, but Steve has never quite given up hope of a reconciliation. In fact with his 50th birthday coming up he’s excited to hear that Tracy is planning a visit to Weatherfield at around the same time. What better gift than to be reunited with his true love?
Sadly these dreams are due to be shattered in upcoming episodes as Steve learns from daughter Amy (Elle Mulvaney) that Tracy has cancelled her visit to Weatherfield and will be staying in Spain. Steve tries to hide his disappointment as he realises that his plans to win Tracy back have now vanished.
It seems that that really is the last we’ll see of Tracy in the Street as Kate Ford bid farewell to the role that she’d played since 2002.
Fans feared the worst after actress Kate posted a picture of herself on Instagram in April and her co-star Sally Carman, who plays Abi, commented ‘I miss your face!’ suggesting that Kate was no longer filming at Corrie. Following this, Kate posted a picture of a train that bore the destination ‘Orpington.’
It’s a place in Kent, but it’s also the destination of Tracy’s heart as Tommy Orpington’s charms proved to be too much competition for dear old Steve.
Meanwhile, back in Weatherfield Tim plans a night out with Steve to celebrate his birthday, but Tommy Orpington manages to scupper that plan, too, when Sally (Sally Dynevor) and Tim are invited to an unveiling of a bronze bust of Tommy O. at the Weatherfield County ground – on the same night as Steve’s birthd
