Coronation Street has provided an update on Audrey Roberts, but viewers are far from pleased.

Audrey, portrayed by Sue Nicholls, made her soap opera debut all the way back in 1979. She arrived on the cobbles as the mother of Gail (Helen Worth) - and it wasn't long before Audrey established herself as a firm fan favourite.

Over the decades, viewers have experienced both heartache and happiness alongside Audrey, including her wedding to Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley) in 1985 and his devastating passing in 1999.

They've also witnessed Audrey become a great-grandmother to characters such as Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) and watched her run the business alongside grandson David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) in Audrey's hairdressing salon.

Much like her daughter, Audrey has also enjoyed a turbulent love life on the iconic street. Following Alf's death, she embarked on a romance with butcher Fred Elliott (John Savident), reports the Daily Star.

She also became engaged to former male escort and fraudster Lewis Archer (Nigel Havers). Lewis ultimately turned over a new leaf in order to wed Audrey before his sudden death in 2019. Nevertheless, Audrey has been completely absent from the soap this year, with it eventually being disclosed in February that she was in France with daughter Gail.

In Thursday's episode (April 16), Audrey received a mention when David called his mum Gail on her birthday. He said: "Happy birthday and give my love to Gran," confirming that Audrey remained overseas with Gail.

Now, following her mention, fans are far from pleased that she remains nowhere near Weatherfield. On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer wrote: "So Audrey is still on holiday with Gail will she ever come back!" Another chimed in: "I know we rarely see her."

Referring to David's newborn daughter Harper, a third commented: "Weird she didn't come back when Shona had Harper?" Another concurred: "Yes would've thought she would want to see her new great granddaughter."

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Audrey's prolonged absence prompted genuine worry amongst devoted fans. On X, one viewer pondered: "So great to have scenes in the salon again but no Audrey?"

Another added: "Where is Granny Audrey? She's meant to live in David's but is never seen. I'm sure she'd have plenty to say about blank faced Jodie taking over the house."

Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX