Coronation Street stars past and present ditch the cobbles for night on the town

She’s already started her new job as a panellist on Loose Women.
But Shobna Gulati’s former Coronation Street co-stars weren’t going to let her go that easily.
And on Thursday evening past and present faces from the famous soap were out in force in Manchester to bid the star, who played Sunita Alahan on the soap for 12 years, a very fond farewell.

It's her party: Shobna Gulati arrived at her leaving party in Manchester on Thursday

Hotfooting it from London following her second ever appearance on the ITV chat show, the 46-year-old actress grinned as she arrived at her leaving party.

 

The pretty star’s long dark locks looked particularly smooth, while she wore a black overcoat and plenty of sultry dark eye make-up. 
Waiting for her ‘do to get started she tweeted: ‘Waiting for a party to start well ur own party to start is both wierd and scay ... What if!’

Sleek and stylish: The former Coronation Street star wore a black overcoat covering up her dress beneath

Goodbye: Brooke Vincent and Georgia May Foot arrived at the party together 

And it wasn’t long until hordes of those who have and still do walk the cobbled streets arrived to party alongside her.
Leading the way was recent Dancing On Ice star Samia Ghadie, who looked picture perfect in a navy blue dress with belt detail.
It seems shiny hair was the theme of the evening as Samia’s locks appeared darker than usual and particularly glossy as they fell down her back. 

Leading the way: Despite no longer being on the show herself Samia Ghadie was out to spend time with her friend, as was Kate Ford (R)

Hobbling: Sue Cleaver arrived on crutches joined by John Michie

Samia, who recently admitted that she in fact dating her skating partner Sylvain Longchambon, seemed to be making a solo appearance. 
Not far behind came Brooke Vincent who opted for a pretty pussy bow neck shirt, while her long dark hair was pulled off her face and she wore a simple head piece. 
Holding her hand was Georgia May Foot who slipped into a pair of sparkly black shorts which she teamed with a leather jacket.

Happy to be there: Jane Danson (L) looked very business like and happy, as did Julie Hesmondhalgh (R)

Whatever the weather: Alison King and Chris Gascoyne look cheery despite the wet weather 

Both the girls, who play Sophie Webster and Katy Armstrong respectively, seemed in high spirits as they made their way to say their goodbyes. 
Other guests included Kate Ford, Chris Gascoyne, Alison King, Cherylee Houston, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sol Heras and Lisa George.
The Corrie gang reportedly presented the latest star to leave the show with a cake in the shape of the corner shop Alahans. 

Giggles: Kate Ford and Lisa George shared a laugh as they made their way into the party

Here come the boys: Sol Heras looked great in his specs as Antony Cotton (R) dressed down in an interesting pair of jeans

Shobna has already filmed her final scenes for the ITV soap which are set to air in April and promise to be very dramatic. 
Since leaving the show the pretty star admitted that her time on the soap drove her to depression and a dark place.
But she has admitted that since filming her final scenes for the ITV soap last month, she has felt a 'relief' as she starts a new chapter in her life. 

Brunette beauties: Brooke Vincent and Georgia May Foot were amongst some of the younger stars at the party

Sparkle: Izzy Armstrong added a touch of colour to her outfit with a pink sparkly bag 

'It's been such a big part of my life for such a long time that now it's not there I feel a little sense of relief,' she said on the Daybreak sofa.
'I can now try and be me. Everyone loves the character that much that they think you are them. I think it's really difficult being off duty in our business,' she added.
And it seems things are already looking up for Shobna, who had her successful debut on Loose Women this week. 
Following her appearance she tweeted: ‘My 1st day on the panel #LooseWomen @andrea_mclean Janet Street Porter and @SherrieHewson i loved it thank you for being so welcoming !’

Wild thing: Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz, let her beautiful hair fall loose, looking great with her coat