In addition to the big storms like Todd – Theo or the Driscoll family drama, this year’s Coronation Street Christmas is also torn apart by a series of risky personal decisions.

At the Bailey house, Dee-Dee is at a big crossroads when she receives a promising new job offer.

It is an opportunity that brings money, fame and a feeling of “being on the right path”, but it also means being able to leave Weatherfield – where the family has roots, where every brick on the street is associated with her memories.

When Dee-Dee tells Ed the news, he is both happy and worried.

The whole family holds a small celebration, trying to show their full support. But that joy is quickly tinged with anxiety when Dee-Dee hints that this opportunity may require her to move away completely. James, who is struggling to find himself after personal breakdowns, reacts harshly. He didn’t come to the party, didn’t send his well wishes, and left an empty chair at the dinner table, which made it clear that the family was divided.

Corrie used Dee-Dee’s story to touch on a very familiar pain: everyone told her “you have to live for yourself,” but when she actually did, the whole family sat there counting their losses. In the context of Christmas – a time of reunion – the thought of a family member wanting to leave became much harder to swallow. Every hug congratulating Dee-Dee felt a little like a goodbye that hadn’t been said yet.