Seismic Shifts on the Cobbles: Costello’s Calculated Deceit Unmasked Amid Major Cast Upheaval

Weatherfield is experiencing an unprecedented period of upheaval, as a calculated betrayal within its police ranks threatens to shatter Lisa Swain’s fragile reality, all while the streets are rocked by a wave of dramatic cast exits and returns in 2025.

The immediate crisis centres on the chilling behavior of Di Costello, who is now desperately trying to force the recently resurrected Becky Swain back into hiding. Costello, a seemingly authoritative figure, was instrumental in staging Becky’s death—falsely identifying a murder victim, Tia Wardley, as Becky, and arranging her escape to Spain. Now that Becky has returned, Costello is working overtime to conceal his involvement from Lisa, who remains completely unaware of the intense standoff. An Inside Soap exclusive reveals that Costello’s threats toward Becky—insisting her life is in danger—may not be as straightforward as they appear. The actor behind the role suggests the dynamic is one Costello “carefully controls,” a form of coercive behavior layered with narcissistic tendencies, all to protect his facade of authority. Viewers are left to decide whether the returned wife or the manipulative copper poses the greater threat to Lisa.

This high-stakes deception is unfolding amidst massive changes sweeping through the show. In a significant blow to the street’s moral compass, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) is officially bowing out after 11 years, praised by producers for his immense contribution to powerful storylines. Similarly, the departure of the sharp, quick-thinking solicitor Dee Bailey (Shanni Sterling Brown) leaves a noticeable gap, as she seeks new challenges beyond the cobbles. Fan favourite Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) also said her emotional farewell after nearly four decades.

Further anxiety has been fuelled by reports of sweeping budget cuts at ITV, which are expected to force up to a ten per cent reduction in the number of regular cast members across the entire show, ensuring more shock departures are on the way.

However, as old faces exit, familiar figures are making their triumphant returns. Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) made a long-awaited comeback, immediately finding herself entangled in chaos. Her return storyline kicked off with an unexpected entanglement involving a stolen car and a suspiciously helpful intervention from Weatherfield’s corrupt copper, Kit Green, raising questions about his motives and whether Bethany is walking into another dangerous game.

Additionally, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) has rejoined the cast full-time, bringing with her a whole new family unit—the Driscolls. While Ben and his mother Maggie inject fresh comedy and drama, the storyline is already turning dark. Will Driscoll is at the center of a disturbing grooming plot involving his former sports teacher, Megan, proving that new arrivals bring immediate, intense drama. As the lines between heroes and villains blur, Weatherfield’s fabric is being drastically rewoven for the season ahead.