CORONATION Street has revealed the new Summer Spellman after actress Matilda Freeman quit the soap.
The schoolgirl has not been seen for a while on screen despite the return of her legal guardian Todd Grimshaw last week.
Summer returns from her Grandma’s next month and will now be played by new actress Harriet Bibby.
Harriet was cast in the role after Matilda decided to leave Coronation Street earlier this year to explore new opportunities.
Matilda said: “I’d like to say thank you to my second family, the cast, crew and viewers who have supported me during my time on the cobbles.
“After three and a half lovely years I felt it was time for a change and I’m excited to be starting that next chapter with a new role.”
With tensions already running high between Billy and Paul over Todd’s return, Summer’s arrival is bound to complicate matters.
She will struggle to forgive Todd for abandoning her and Billy three years ago.
Lincolnshire born actress Harriet trained at Alra North and has had roles in Doctors and Brassic.
She has lived in Wigan for the past four years and recently moved to Manchester.
She said: “I am so thrilled to be joining the cast of Coronation Street.
“My family have watched the show for years and I already feel part of the family.
“Matilda has wished me good luck, which was lovely! I’m looking forward to bringing Summer’s sass and sparkle to the screen.”
