Coronation Street's Lauren actress reveals sweet leaving gift for Joel Deering co-star in exit tribute

Coronation Street star Cait Fitton has paid an emtoional tribute to her co-star Calum Lill as he officially left to soap. The actor joined the cast back in September 2023 as Joel Deering.

The character appeared as a charming solicitor who Dee-Dee Bailey soon fell head over heels in love with. But under his smooth exterior, fans soon discovered Joel was hiding a dark secret - a penchant for younger, underprivileged girls - including Lauren - and when the truth came out, he quickly found himself as public enemy number one.

Fans had to wait until Friday night's (November 15) episode of the ITV soap to finally discover the truth about Joel's death after weeks of flashbacks to that fateful night, which saw several Weatherfield residents put in the frame.

READ MORE: Coronation Street star details secrets of filming final Joel Deering scenes including co-star 'hitting him in face'

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As viewers of the ITV soap know, Joel was declared missing after he failed to show his face in court. In the scenes aired at the end of September, a warrant was issued for Joel's arrest as he was seemingly set to face his comeuppance for his twisted crimes, which included grooming Lauren Bolton.

But Joel went missing and after transferring money to Lauren, how the mother of his son Frankie and his ex-wife Emily, and leaving an emotional voicemail for his former fiancée Dee-Dee Bailey, Joel's car was found abandoned and it was believed Joel may have ended up taking his own life.

The police carried on investigating and it wasn't long before the case became a murder investigation after Joel's body was found floating down a river. However, it was confirmed he'd been killed with a heavy weapon before entering the water and several people were been put in the frame for his murder.

The murderer was then revealed in a stunning episode which featured a series of flashbacks from the night of Joel’s murder, interspersed with DC Kit Green's police interviews, bringing what really happened on September 27th.

It revealed that Joel's final night alive was an eventful one. After Ronnie and Ed Bailey went after him with a crowbar, he was attacked by scorned ex Dee-Dee, threatened by Kit and pushed into the river by Max. But not before Lauren had delivered the killer blow amidst the train track confrontation.

Following the scenes, Cait, who plays Lauren, took to social media with photos of the pair outside the Rovers Return, still dressed as their characters, with the gift she organised for his send-off. Alongside the post, she shared: "That’s it! The wait is finally over!! After a whole month of “Who Done it? “Who killed Joel Deering? ” , the killer has finally been revealed.

"This storyline started a year and 6 months ago , and it’s been one hell of a ride but what an incredible journey it’s been so far , surrounded by the best people. As we say goodbye to Joel Deering , Tonight we say goodbye to Calum Lil..."

Cait continued: "Cal, thank you. Thank you for being the most amazing colleague , but also an amazing friend . You have taught me so much , throughout this whole process . The wise words of wisdom and the memories we have shared I will cherish forever. You are one of the most hard working person I’ve ever met , with the dedication and hard work you put into everything you do . I want you to know it has NEVER gone unnoticed.

"We’ve laughed, we’ve cried but what a journey we have had. I miss you making me laugh on set , and being your usual weird self. Please never lose that. As you say goodbye to the cobbles , I want you to know how grateful and proud I am to have worked alongside you . I send you all the love and luck in the world as you continue on your adventure !

"Never be a stranger to us at @coronationstreet! C x. Also how amazing was his leaving gift I got made out of Joel’s clothes - a piece of Corrie @calumlill will cherish forever. @aprilsbears you are super talented ! Thank you for making this."

Calum himself was quick to respond, writing: "Maaate you’re trying to make me cry again. What an experience. We’ve had such a ball and I’m so grateful for all your hard work and dedication you turned up with every day. You’re so talented Cait. Keep on smashing it."