The year was heavy on cast exits as a number of long standing characters departed. Paula Tilbrook decided to retire as Betty Eagleton in an exit story which saw Betty leave for Australia in May. She would make a final fleeting appearance on Christmas Day. Sammy Winward also dropped out, having already announced her departure the previous year. Katie Sugden was killed off in a decision which left Sammy reportedly relieved to have her safety net of ever returning to the programme removed, fueling her motivation to make a success of future projects. Onscreen, her death would trigger the biggest storyline to involve the Sugden family in a number of years. Charlie Hardwick also shocked fans by announcing on Loose Women in June that she was quitting the show after appearing since 2004. Val Polla