Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank has confirmed he is leaving the ITV soap after 11 years in the role of Billy Mayhew.
Digital Spy understands that Billy, who debuted on the soap back in 2014, will leave the cobbles in 2026 as part of a major exit storyline.
Further details about the storyline, which will see Billy be “tested in ways he never imagined”, are being kept under wraps for the time being.
Addressing his exit, Brocklebank said: “I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life. I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work.
“I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.”
“Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit,” added Corrie producer Kate Brooks.
ITV
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She continued: “We’re incredibly sad to bid farewell to Dan, who has been fantastic in some of Corrie’s biggest storylines over the past few years, most notably Paul’s MND.
“An actor of immeasurable talent and skill, and an absolute treasure behind the scenes – he will be missed by all of us on the cobbles.”
Brocklebank’s exit is the latest notable departure from the ITV soap, with Helen Worth making her final appearance as Gail Platt over the festive period, while Sue Cleaver is set to bow out as Eileen Grimshaw later this year.
ITV
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Meanwhile, Colson Smith’s final scenes as Craig Tinker aired this week, when the character tragically died in hospital after being attacked by Mick Michaelis.
Reflecting on his time on the soap after the episode aired, the actor, who joined the show in 2011, explained how he felt when he found out that Craig was being written out.
“When I was called in for the chat with Kate Brooks, I’d already braced myself for what was about to happen,” he explained.
“I have been in that building since I was 12 years old, so I know exactly how it works and that my time was up!
“I knew that Craig had backed himself into a corner that was going to be really hard to get out of, so I fully expected the chat to go that way.”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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