Coronation Street introduces new character Valerie, linked to Peter Barlow

Who is Valerie and how is she linked to Peter Barlow?

Coronation Street viewers were introduced to a brand new character named Valerie in the latest episode. Valerie, portrayed by Jackie Morrison, arrived on the cobbles to meet Peter Barlow. As it turns out, Valerie is the mother of Peter's liver donor.

Peter's emotional meeting with Valerie

Peter, played by Chris Gascoyne, had arranged a meeting with Valerie to express his gratitude. He wanted to thank her and her family for allowing him to have a life-saving liver transplant. Supported by his wife Carla, Peter opened up about his alcoholism and expressed his guilt for his self-inflicted struggles. Valerie, however, refuted his claims and insisted that alcoholism is a disease. She expressed her happiness that Peter received the transplant and reminded him that her son's death had allowed someone else to live.

Peter's departure from Coronation Street

Amid his meeting with Valerie, Peter's departure from the show seems imminent. He needs a fresh start following his involvement in Stephen Reid's death and his deteriorating marriage to Carla. While the door has been left open for his return, Peter is set to take a break from life in Weatherfield. He has been contemplating heading abroad to reunite with his sailing pals and explore the high seas.

What's next for Peter and Carla?

With Peter's departure, fans are left wondering if his marriage to Carla is over for good. The future of their relationship remains uncertain. As Peter prepares to leave the show on Boxing Day, actor Chris Gascoyne has already been spotted filming his final scenes on a Manchester tram.

Chris Gascoyne's history on Coronation Street

Chris Gascoyne first joined Coronation Street in 2000 to portray the character of Peter. After a three-year stint, he exited the show in 2003. He briefly returned in 2007 before coming back permanently in October 2008. Gascoyne left the show again in late 2014 but made a guest appearance the following year for a character's funeral. In October 2016, he returned for his third permanent stint, which will come to an end next week.