NEW HEARTBREAKING! Coronation Street star’s ‘heart is so broken’ after devastating loss

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (12885171x) Coronation Street - Ep 10618 & Ep 10619 Wednesday 20th April 2022 A weary Kelly Neelan, as played by Millie Gibson, returns from her Mum's funeral. Gary Windass offers to bank the ?17k for her, but a cagy Kelly makes out she'll do it herself. 'Coronation Street' TV Show UK - Apr 2022 Coronation Street, is a British ITV long running television soap opera set in the fictional North of England town of Weatherfield, near Manchester. Created by Tony Warren, the series was first broadcast on December 9th, 1960, and was produced by ITV Granada. — Millie Gibson has opened up about a heartbreaking loss (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Former Coronation Street star Millie Gibson has been left heartbroken after a devastating family loss, she revealed on social media.

The 21-year-old actress, who played Kelly Neelan on the cobbles between 2019 and 2022, took to Instagram with the upsetting news that her dog, Spike, had passed away.

’15 years with the bestest friend I could ever ask for,’ she wrote in the caption, alongside a carousel of images and videos of the beloved pet.

‘Heart is so broken. You are so loved. Rest peacefully my wolf,’ she continued. ‘I love you Spike.’

It didn’t take long for her former Corrie co-stars to take to the comments to share their condolences, with Toyah Battersby star Georgia Taylor writing: ‘Oh darling I’m heartbroken for you. What a beauty he was.’

‘I’m so sorry lovely,’ Abi Webster actress Sally Carmen added, while Paddy Bever, who played Max Turner, left a series of love heart emojis.

Kel Allen, who played on-screen mum Laura Neelan, also wrote a heartfelt comment, which read: ‘Awhh i’m so sorry my love. My heart breaks for what you’re going through.

‘The hardest part is having to say goodbye to your whole world and losing a part of the family. Sending soooo much love, light and healing to you and the fam right now with the biggest squeezes. Rest in peace Spike.’

During her time on the cobbles, Millie’s character Kelly was involved in some major storylines, including dealing with her mum’s death.

She was also imprisoned for the attack on Seb Franklin and Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher), got engaged to Aadi Alahan and was kidnapped by some of her gangster dad Rick Neelan’s ex-associates.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (13387527ax) Coronation Street - Ep 10745 & Ep 10746 Friday 16th September 2022 Kelly Neelan, as played by Millie Gibson, receives a holdall of her mum's things which she left in Spain. As she scrolls through a digital camera she's shocked to see the holiday dated as 17th June 2019, the date her Dad was murdered. Returning home Kelly shows Gary Windass, as played by Mikey North, the photos, asserting she wants to know who really killed her dad. Is the game up for Gary? 'Coronation Street' TV Show, Episodes 10741-10758, UK - Sep 2022 Coronation Street, is a British ITV long running television soap opera set in the fictional North of England town of Weatherfield, near Manchester. Created by Tony Warren, the series was first broadcast on December 9th, 1960, and was produced by ITV Granada. — Millie played Kelly Neelan between 2019 and 2022 (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Undated BBC Handout Photo from Doctor Who. Pictured: The Doctor (NCUTI GATWA) & Ruby Sunday (MILLIE GIBSON). PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Doctor Who. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA?Feature SHOWBIZ TV Doctor Who. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Doctor Who. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required. — Millie also played Doctor Who companion Ruby Sunday: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)

Since leaving the ITV soap, Millie has gone on to have some huge roles, including Doctor Who’s companion Ruby Sunday.

Earlier this month, she confirmed her latest role, which is worlds away from the cobbles.

She is currently starring in Channel 5 period drama The Forsytes – a series which depicts familial tensions and marriages erupting as secrets come to light.

Millie portrays the ambitious wife of Soames Forsyte, who battles against cousin Jolyon about taking over the family firm.

‘I look completely different in The Forsytes,’ Millie said at the launch event for the programme. ‘I’m the girl with the red hair that’s dancing all the time. I look completely different, and it’s an absolute pleasure, because I love playing a character that is totally unlike me, and isn’t Mancunian.

Millie Gibson in her official period portrait in The Forsytes — Millie’s new role is worlds away from the cobbles (Picture: PBS / 2024 Mammoth Screen Limited / 5 Broadcasting Limited)

Millie admitted that the job was gruelling, but that it was worth it, and will ‘always be very special’ to her.

‘It came to me at a very needed time’, she added.

‘I fell completely in love with it and I fell in love with the cast and the crew, I will forever be grateful for it. I was very lucky enough to work wit