Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank shocked fans by announcing his exit from the soap after 11 years. He had played Billy Mayhew for over a decade and has a major storyline planned for next year.
However, in a move that has stunned soap lovers, Daniel shared his “sadness” to be leaving the role. It was confirmed to the Mirror that his character, vicar Billy, will leave the show next year with his storyline yet to be revealed.
He even hinted it was not his decision to bow out of the popular role, and his partner has had plenty to say. In a statement shared with the Mirror, Dan 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.”
Despite the amicable statement from Daniel, his partner Jordan Coulthard blasted the decision. Taking to soical media to share his frustrations, Jordan fumed: “Not his decision. Huge mistake.
“I can’t even believe we are having this conversation. No words can describe how heartbroken I am for him.”
Daniel has posted a number of conspiracy theories on social media in recent years, having said planes were spraying chemicals over the country and that the government controlled the weather. He has since appeared to have deleted his X account.
Corrie boss Kate Brooks told the Mirror Daniel “will be missed” as she gave new details about the mystery plot that would conclude Billy’s time on the cobbles.
She told us: “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.
“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.”
Daniel has been a major character on the show since 2014, but according to reports bosses decided a key storyline would see him leave for good.
According to The Sun, the actor was told he would be leaving the show by bosses, with it solely up to them and not the choice of actor Daniel. It’s thought to be a “storey-based” decision, that will result in him leaving the soap.
It’s yet to be revealed how Daniel and his character Billy will leave, and whether Billy will be killed off. There have been plenty of cast exits on Corrie recently, as this week Colson Smith’s time came to an end after 14 years.
His character Craig Tinker was brutally killed this week while his killer Mick Michaelis is also set for an exit with actor Joe Layton leaving this summer. Mick’s wife Lou is also thought to be departing, having only joined the show for a short stint.
Charlotte Jordan recently bowed out for good as Daisy Midgeley, while at some point in the future Debbie Webster will be leaving the show after her dementia diagnosis.
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