Coronation Street star announces surprise exit after 11 years in latest axe
Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank has apparently quit the ITV soap after 11 years in the role of Billy Mayhew.
Coronation Street fans are in for a shock as actor Daniel Brocklebank, who plays vicar Billy Mayhew, has announced his departure from the soap. In a move that will undoubtedly stun viewers, especially given the recent spate of exits and more on the horizon, the actor expressed his “sadness” at leaving the role after being involved in some significant storylines over the years. Reports suggest that his character, Billy Mayhew, will exit the show next year as part of a major new storyline yet to be disclosed.
After an 11-year stint in the popular role, the character is set to make his final bow, with the actor hinting that the decision was not his own. It’s believed to be a plot-driven decision that will see him leave the show permanently next year, although specific details remain confidential.
Billy hasn’t been featured prominently on screen recently, but he will appear in scenes next week alongside newcomer Theo Silverton. Last year, viewers witnessed Billy lose his husband Paul Foreman to motor neurone disease. Billy’s grief for his partner led to some challenging scenes for the character. Although Billy seemed to be getting back on track recently, it is now revealed the character won’t be staying on the show.
Coronation Street is lining up some bombshell moments next week (Image: ITV)
According to The Sun, the decision for the actor to leave the show was made by the bosses, not by Daniel himself. It’s thought to be a “story-based” decision, resulting in his departure from the soap.
The cobbles of Weatherfield are about to bid farewell to Daniel Brocklebank, whose character Billy Mayhew’s exit remains shrouded in mystery, leaving fans reeling just days after the gruesome demise of Craig Tinker, played by Colson Smith.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Daniel declared: “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.”
Since joining Coronation Street in 2014, Daniel has become an endearing figure, but according to inside sources, a dramatic storyline is set to bring his time on the soap to an end.
The Mirror is currently seeking a reaction from the show’s producers, following hot on the heels of Colson Smith’s tragic departure as Craig Tinker after 14 years, a storyline that left viewers stunned when his character was killed off.
As part of a cast shakeup, Mick Michaelis’ portrayer Joe Layton is also confirmed to exit during the summer, while Mick’s on-screen spouse Lou is expected to follow suit after her brief tenure.
Weatherfield has seen a spate of departures recently, including Charlotte Jordan’s character Daisy Midgeley, whereas Debbie Webster’s future exit plotline has been set in motion with a dementia diagnosis. Max Turner’s earlier parting this year precedes Sue Cleaver’s upcoming departure as the beloved Eileen Grimshaw.
