As Coronation Street battles cast shake-ups and budget rumors, fans are speculating the next heartbreaking departure—Kirk Sutherland. Could the beloved one-liner legend be the next to leave the cobbles forever?

Coronation Street has never been short on drama—but in 2025, it seems the real tension may be happening off-screen. With a wave of major exits already aired—including Craig Tinker’s brutal end and Eileen Grimshaw’s overseas departure—rumors are now swirling about another potential heartbreak: the possible exit of fan-favorite Kirk Sutherland.

Kirk, played by Andy Whyment, has been a staple of Weatherfield since the year 2000. Known for his quirky charm, lovable simplicity, and comedic one-liners, he’s provided light relief even in the darkest Corrie moments. But with recent speculation about ITV slashing one in ten cast members, fans are starting to wonder: is Kirk next?

While ITV officially dismissed the budget-cut rumors as “complete speculation,” viewers are reading between the lines. On fan forums and social media pages, one name keeps surfacing: Kirk. The theory? With most of his core connections—like Craig and Beth—now gone, and little left in terms of central storylines, his days might be numbered.

“He told Maria he was going to Craig’s funeral, and it hit me then—who does he really have left?” one viewer commented. “I’d be gutted if he left, but it kind of makes sense. He’s just floating now.”

Others echoed similar thoughts. “All his ties are fading,” another fan posted. “It’s sad, but this might be ITV’s way of slowly phasing him out.”

And yet, Kirk’s departure wouldn’t just be the end of another character—it would mark the close of a legacy. For over two decades, he’s stood as a symbol of the old-school Corrie spirit: heart, humor, and hometown roots. Watching him fade into the background now, after years of giving viewers smiles and sincerity, feels almost surreal.

Still, nothing has been confirmed. Andy Whyment has made no public comments. ITV remains silent on future exits. But in a soap where absence often signals the start of a farewell, fans are holding their breath.

Could the cobbles really lose one of their longest-running characters?