Coronation Street actor Daniel Brocklebank has confirmed he will be leaving the ITV soap after 11 years playing vicar Billy Mayhew.
The character will exit the cobbles in 2026 as part of a major storyline, with the actor expressing his "sadness" at departing the role.
Brocklebank, who joined the soap in 2014, has been involved in several significant storylines during his time on the show, with his departure marking the latest in a string of exits from the long-running soap.
The upcoming exit storyline will see Billy "tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit," according to Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks.
While specific details are being kept under wraps, it's understood the character will leave as part of an issue-led plot.
The decision appears not to have been Brocklebank's, with the actor hinting that the departure wasn't his choice.
Daniel has been on the soap for 11 years
ITV
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A spokesperson for the show issued a statement on behalf of Brocklebank to GB News, which reads: “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."
Brooks added that Brocklebank has been "fantastic in some of Corrie's biggest storylines" and described him as "an actor of immeasurable talent and skill, and an absolute treasure behind the scenes".
His latest storyline involved his character's husband dying of MND
ITV
His departure has received mixed reactions from fans, as one thrillingly penned on X: “Daniel Brocklebank has FINALLY quit.”
Another expressed: “Daniel Brocklebank is leaving Corrie. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”
Someone else added: “The sun is shining, I have the day off, and the abysmal Daniel Brocklebank is leaving Corrie… Life is GOOD.”
Another impressed viewer said: “A national day of celebration announced as Daniel Brocklebank is axed from Coronation Street. The planes will be out spraying in his honour.”
However, not all were happy with the choice, as one sad fan wrote: “I am going to miss you so so much! Was one of my favourite characters!”
The star has recieved mixed reactions to his departure
PA
Someone else quipped: “No, not Billy! First Paul and now his husband... what is with this show getting rid of so many people.”
The mixed reaction comes after he delivered his verdict on the news that a school in Hampshire had cancelled its annual Easter service out of "respect for diversity".
Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, sent a letter to parents informing them that it would neither be holding its "Easter bonnet parade" nor its Easter service ahead of the festival this April.
Brocklebank decided to use his platform to join the calls against the move, simply typing on his X page: "Dear Schools, Please don’t cancel Easter. Kind regards, Dan." (sic)
