Coronation Street fans spot 'beautiful' bond as Joel and Dee-Dee stars confirm death truth

Coronation Street fans couldn't help but point out a 'beautiful bond' that has been created on the set of the long-running show as Channique Sterling-Brown and Calum Lill confirmed the truth about the latter's exit.

The actor was seen bowing out of the ITV soap as Joel Deering during the latest trip to Weatherfield and despite fans struggling to believe the evil and troubled character is really gone, Channique, who plays on-screen ex Dee-Dee Bailey, was seen paying tribute to her co-star.

After going missing last month, it was thought Joel may have taken his own life after he transferred money to victim Lauren Bolton and ex-wife Emily Wilkinson, seemingly for his two children, before making an emotionally charged phone call to ex-fiancée Dee-Dee.

READ MORE: Coronation Street fans have 'horrible feeling' as they 'work out' Joel Deering's killer

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His disappearance was confirmed when he failed to show up to his plea hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest after he was charged with buying the drugs used to prompt Lauren's early labour after his drugged her in a bid for her miscarry their son, Frankie.

Bit it was during Monday night's (October 14), Corrie that viewers saw Kit Green, after Swain was taken off Joel's case, and PC Craig Tinker studying CCTV from a train station car park, in which they saw Joel and then his dad, Gus, around a locker. Gus was hauled if for questioning by Kit, who was demanding answers, only three lads at a riverbank to spot a body floating in the water.

It was Craig who informed Kit and Swain about the discovery of Joel's body before Kit later revealed to Lauren that the post-mortem confirmed that Joel was dead before he entered the river, so they’re now looking at a murder investigation.

While Corrie's 'biggest-ever whodunnit' is now underway, Channique, who plays Dee-Dee, took to social media to pay tribute to her co-star Calum as she confirmed he'd officially bowed out of the soap after 13 months.

Sharing a video of the pair, the actress confirmed the first clip in the video recorded amid filming their final 'nice scene' together before an array of clips followed showing the pair behind the scenes together over their storyline together.

Alongside the post, Channique wrote: "RIP Joel Deering. You were flipping awful but you came in the form of one of my best mates and for that I’m very grateful. A year of shenanigans, endless brews, rehearsing only to get distracted and you carrying all my stuff.

"We’ve been grumpy, giddy, cried (okay I’ve cried) but most of all we’ve laughed. Thanks for the best year Cal, I wouldn’t have wanted to tell DeeDee and Joel’s story with anyone else. Right that’s enough being nice now, we can’t afford for that head of yours to get any bigger. Over and out."

Calum was quick to respond: "Maaaaate [face holding back tears emojis] this set me right off! So many good memories [heart emoji]. I’m gonna miss you so much… I’ll even miss having to carry your things everywhere." He also shared Channique's video to his Instagram Story and said: "I'm not crying, you're crying," alongside a number of crying face emojis.

And fans of the pair were also keen to share their comments, admitting their sadness at Calum's exit as well as praising his and Channique's relationship.

@growingtheroses said: "The best story line ever!! Going to miss Joel (in a villainous way)." @cate1076 commented: "This friendship is gorgeous." @emma_the_ginga_ninga26 wrote: "He was such an evil baddie but oh so good !!! Loved you two." @lesley.bland replied: "What a beautiful friendship you both have."

@jamiedeanmeyler posted: "Smiled and laughed along with you both the entire way through this @channiquesb @calumlill !!.. what a beautiful set of #memories for you both to #treasure #forever!!" @calumlill.fan shared: "My favourite duo i have just cried watching this." @eastcobbles added: "Yous have both absolutely smashed this storyline!! As much as I'm glad Joel's gone, we will all miss Calum so much. Yous should both be so proud of yourselves."