Corrie's Katie McGlynn shares powerful smear photo after Sinead Tinker's tragic death
Soap star urges fans to go for smear tests
Coronation Street's Katie McGlynn has left the cobbles after playing Sinead Tinker for seven years, and has now shared a powerful photo on Instagram with her 246k followers.
The image shows the star with bright pink lipstick 'smeared' across her face, a well known way to illustrate the point she made on the social networking site.
The caption reads, 'ATTENTION 💋 this is a reminder for all you beautiful ladies to go for your smears!
'I know it’s not the most comfortable sitch to endure BUT five minutes of awkwardness (with a qualified nurse who’s seen it all before) could potentially save your life!! 💗#SmearCampaign #dontfearthesmear #cervicalcancer.' (sic)
The highly emotive storyline in the iconic soap saw Sinead lose her battle with cervical cancer, after thinking she'd beaten the devastating disease.
In a cruel twist, Sinead discovered a lump on her neck on her wedding day to Daniel Osbourne.
Katie also posted another picture recently, saying goodbye to fellow co-stars and praising the show.
The caption read, 'After nearly seven wonderful years playing Sinead Tinker, my time on the cobbles is coming to an end.
'I feel so privileged and honoured to have been a part of @coronationstreet ❤️ I’ve honestly enjoyed every single second working alongside a BRILLIANT cast and crew who go above and beyond to make Corrie the amazing show that it is.'
She added, 'I’m going to miss everyone so much 💗'. (sic)
The star then gave heartbroken fans an explanation for leaving the soap, 'I’m sad to be leaving Sinead behind, but I felt the time was right for me to spread my wings and pursue other opportunities.
'As a team we felt Sinead’s ending on the show should highlight the importance of cervical cancer screenings - and that women NEED to go for their smear tests.
'Also, to highlight the issues women face when affected by cancer in or around pregnancy @mummys.star 🌟💙 Everyone has been working so hard on this storyline and I just hope I do Sinead, the show and the thousands of women out their who have been in Sinead’s position, justice."
'Sinead Tinker might be leaving Coronation Street, but I’ll carry a piece of her quirkinesses with me forever ❤'. (sic)
Check out all of this week's Coronation Street spoilers:
Ray arrives at the garage demanding to see Abi after she stole and torched his car, threatening to go to the police, but Kevin covers for her.
Abi and Kevin's relationship is progressing and Abi spends the night at his, but sneaks out in the morning so she avoids bumping into Jack.
After learning about Abi's continued dalliance with Kevin, Sally warns her not to string him along and to think of Jack in all this. Offended, Abi insists her feelings are entirely genuine.
An overwhelmed and exhausted Gemma and Chesney get the itinerary through for their Frescho campaign but their stage times clash with Aled's hearing appointment at the doctors.
Despite Gemma insisting the doctors appointment is more important, Tara refuses to be flexible and says they have to be there on time or they won't get paid.
Feeling the pressure on stage, Chesney takes the mic and says in front of the audience that the campaign is a sham and they've been exploited. Tara fires them on the spot and Chesney begs Dev for his job back.
After the Frescho drama, Chesney and Gemma finally make it to the doctors with baby Aled, but it isn't good news – he has profound permanent hearing loss in both ears.
As they digest the diagnosis, Gemma is heartbroken when she realises that Aled has been deaf since birth. While Gemma blames herself, Chesney tries to comfort her and insists they'll face any challenges as a family.
Meanwhile, James has come clean to Michael about his fling with Danny. One day while everyone is out, James invites Danny over to No 3 to catch up...
While Danny and James get reacquainted, Ed pops home and lunch time and is startled by a thud from upstairs. Making his way up to investigate, he's surprised to find Danny and James together.
James musters the courage to come out to his dad, but it's clear that Ed is hurt to learn that Aggie and Michael already knew. Ed can't help but think that Danny has corrupted James.
After their tense exchange, Aggie explains that Ed's reaction was mainly down to shock, and Ed worries about the prejudice James will face. As the bad blood between them begins to thaw, Aggie is relieved.
Elsewhere, Fiz tells Evelyn that Jade has been in touch and wants to take Hope to a craft fair at the community centre, but has no interest in taking Ruby.
Fiz decides that she and Tyrone will bring Ruby to the craft fair anyway, and they arrive at the community centre to meet Jade.
Jade is smug when Hope makes it clear she prefers her to Fiz, and Fiz tries her best not to get upset. Later on Fiz tells Tyrone that she's sick of being the boring mum while Jade gets to be the fun sister, and Tyrone is sympathetic.
When Christine calls at number 9 to make more plans for Jade to see Hope, Fiz tells her they're going on holiday, much to Jade and Christine's annoyance.
As Fiz, Tyrone, Ruby, Hope and Evelyn pack the car and head off on their holidays, Jade watches and seethes from afar.
After sharing a kiss last week, Ali begs Maria not to marry Gary, convinced they should give things another go. But soon Maria has made up her mind.
Maria tells Gary that she would love to marry him. After making the announcement in front of the whole town, Ali tries to be the bigger man and shakes Gary's hand.
Gail has organised a birthday party at number 8 for Oliver, but he sleeps through most of it as the party guests celebrate.
But Adam isn't pleased to learn that Sarah has invited basically the whole town, and worried that Beth will kick off at Bethany and Daniel.