Coronation Street stalwart Chris Gascoyne is leaving the long-running soap after 23 years. The soap actor, who is known for his role as Peter Barlow, is reportedly leaving his role later this year.
He first appeared as Peter in 2000 and made a permanent return in 2016. But now Chris has reportedly decided to "take an extended break" from the soap.
Meanwhile, a source insisted to the Mirror that Chris' departure was "an extended break". It has been claimed Chris feels it is the "right time" for him to pursue other roles. How the soap star will leave the cobbles is yet to be confirmed.
Earlier this year, Chris announced he would be taking on a new role away from Weatherfield. The star will be swapping the Manchester set for Saint Albans ahead of the upcoming pantomime season and will now be appearing at The Alban Arena.
Chris recently shared exciting career news as his fan flooded him with support.
In an announcement shared on social media, the venue exclaimed: "EXCITING PANTO NEWS.
"The Alban Arena are delighted to announce Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan this pantomime season! The Alban Arena are delighted to announce Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan this pantomime season!"
The theatre continued: "This promises to be our most spectacular pantomime yet with stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and a star-studded cast, this is a must-see show for the whole family. Don't miss your chance to experience the wonder and excitement of Neverland once more in Paul Hendy's pantomime sequel!"
The door will be left open for the soap star to return to the role. A source claimed: "Chris has decided to take an extended break from the soap.
"He loves working at Coronation Street but he's got a lot of things he wants to do and the time is right for him to take a break and pursue other roles."
According to the source, who spoke to The Sun, his decision to leave the soap "isn't a final goodbye" and the door is "left open" for him.
His final storyline has yet to be confirmed but it was recently revealed there is a lot more to come.
Chris was cast as Peter – the seventh person to take on the role – in 2000 and stayed on until 2003.
He made a brief return in 2007 and a more permanent one a year later.
In 2012, the actor took a four-month break and left at the end of his contract towards the end of 2014.
Following the death of his co-star Anne Kirkbride, he returned in 2015 and said: "Coming back was like a healing process, we laughed a lot".
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