Kym Marsh, the beloved star of BBC's Waterloo Road, has officially announced her departure from the popular drama after five successful series. The actress, who has portrayed canteen worker Nicky Walters since the show's revival in 2023, has already completed filming her final scenes as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. This pivotal decision comes in the wake of personal relationships and a desire to embrace new opportunities, especially as she approaches her milestone 50th birthday.
Marsh, who gained fame as Michelle Connor on Coronation Street from 2006 until 2019, is not just stepping away from a role; she is entering a significant phase of reevaluation. During her tenure on Waterloo Road, her character was at the heart of numerous crucial narratives, including themes of income disparity, her son Preston’s struggles with an eating disorder, and her daughter Tonya’s endometriosis diagnosis. These storylines have resonated deeply with viewers, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
Having made a name for herself in acting, Kym also ventured into presenting roles, most notably appearing regularly on BBC’s Morning Live and starring in a travel show alongside Richard Arnold on Channel 5. Her decision to leave Waterloo Road aligns with her aspiration of diversifying her career portfolio and trying new things.
Amidst her career transformation, she also navigates her recent breakup with her younger boyfriend, Samuel Thomas, with whom she shared a whirlwind romance for six months. The two met while working together on the musical 101 Dalmatians, where Kym played the iconic role of Cruella De Vil. This breakup, described by insiders as a necessary step, serves to chart a course for Kym to focus on her work and personal freedom.
A source close to Marsh conveyed her sentiments, stating that she is now enjoying her newfound liberty and is excited to pursue various projects that allow her to explore her creativity. Kym is in a new chapter of her life. She’s heading towards 50 and wants to try as many new things as she can, the source said, adding that one motivation behind her breakup was to seek enjoyment and see where her artistic journey takes her.
Throughout her career, Kym has maintained a deep affection for her time on Coronation Street, often hinting at the possibility of a return. She mentioned previously, I’d never say never to going back as I absolutely adore Coronation Street and I had some of my best years there. But I left to kind of pursue other projects and I’m still in the middle of doing that, but maybe one day! This openness to return has sparked excitement among her fans who express their longing for her character, Michelle Connor, to reappear on the show.
As Kym enters this new phase, the departure from Waterloo Road marks not just the end of a significant chapter but the potential for her next ambitious ventures. Fans and colleagues alike have been supportive, celebrating her contributions to the show and wishing her much success in her future pursuits.
Her move is particularly poignant, as it coincides with a broader trend in the entertainment industry where many actors are reevaluating their careers, seeking to balance personal aspirations with professional obligations. Kym's journey echoes the sentiment of many who strive for renewal and reinvention, especially as they face the inevitable passage of time and the changes it brings.
Moreover, the news of her exit follows that of Jason Manford, another high-profile cast member who recently left the series under similar circumstances. This raises questions about the future direction of Waterloo Road and how it might evolve without two of its biggest stars.
As Kym Marsh embraces this pivotal moment, the entertainment world will be watching closely to see what exciting opportunities and projects await her in the coming years. Her story serves as both inspiration and a reminder that change, while often difficult, can lead to new and rewarding experiences.
