star Tony Maudsley has bid an emotional farewell message ahead of his castmate's exit from the long-running soap who was killed off in heartbreaking scenes on Monday. Fans have been left devastated after Julie Carp's (played by Katy Cavanagh) tragic death in last night's episode, with many taking to social media to hit out at the soap.

News of her return to the cobbles earlier this year had delighted fans after almost a decade away, but viewers were quickly disappointed to learn that her time in Weatherfield would be short-lived. Her co-star and George Shuttleworth penned a heartfelt tribute to the death of Julie Carp.

The actor uploaded a selfie alongside his co-star on X, writing: "R.I.P. Julie Carp....Long live Katy Kavanagh-Jupe, who was an absolute joy!! [heart emoji] #Corrie."

His 101,000 followers rushed to comment as one said: "Love her absolutely brilliant actor. I remember her in that fantastic series The Cops. Very edgy in its day."

A second tweeted: "Look at you two beauties sad you've gone from the street, thank you for your talent."

"Tearjerking episode, beautiful acting. We should all be a bit more Julie Carp in life," a third wrote.

A fourth agreed: "It was lovely having her back, shame it was for her demise. She really lit up the screen."

While another added: "So sad to see Julie go. She was a ray of sunshine on the cobbles - well done to you both on the very touching scenes tonight."

Shortly after her arrival, Julie confessed to Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) that she had been diagnosed with stage four sarcoma and, with the cancer being terminal, she was unlikely to survive until the summer.

She decided to live her life to the fullest reuniting with former flame Brian Packham (Peter Gunn) and taking plenty of trips.

Her storyline came to a devastating conclusion when sister Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) returned to their picnic spot at Julie's favourite place to find her dead.

Fans took to X and shared their fury at Julie's final scenes and the decision to kill her off.

"I'm not sure I'll ever forgive Corrie for killing Julie off," Matthew wrote on the social media site, adding: "To bring her back after 10 years just for this short, heart-breaking storyline to aid Eileen's exit was just unnecessary and cruel. Katy Cavanagh, of course, was excellent, though. She always was."

Patty echoed these sentiments, writing: "I'm crying what an emotional goodbye for Julie, a bundle of joy on the street that didn't deserve this ending, but the acting from Julie and Eileen and the scenes between them in this episode was beautiful. Rest In Peace Julie Carp."

Coronation Street airs Wednesdays on ITVX at 8pm