Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has revealed one of his co-stars are not longer filming, and has left the ITV soap.
After reports earlier this year that Imran Habeeb star Charlie de Melo had quit the role after five years, Kevin Webster actor Michael has now confirmed the news is true.
Not only that, but the actor revealed Charlie had left, as was no longer in the cast.
He made the comment as he discussed a big week about to occur on the show, and told This Morning : "There's a quite intense week coming up, mainly for Abi and Imran Habeeb, which we found out is not that easy to say. Can you imagine saying that on a daily basis?
"I'm glad Charlie has left now and I don't have to say Habeeb anymore."
It comes as fellow Corrie star Georgia Taylor recently confirmed the departure, with the show and Charlie having not announced it officially.
Speaking to The Mirror and other press, actress Georgia remained coy over the details but did admit she was devastated to see her pal go.
She said of his departure: "Heartbroken. I absolutely adore him. He's been a dream, an absolute dream.
"We have been together on the show for three and a half years but in the last year, since we've done all the stuff with Seb's trial, we've been pretty consistently busy and most of our stuff has been together and it's just been a joy."
She went on: "He's so funny so we laugh a lot but he is honestly one of the most supportive people I have ever worked with and even now, we're still in touch obviously, he's texting me, 'How did the day go? Are you OK?'
"He's just a team player. And I mean look at him, there's no complaints there either. He's beautiful.
"He's been amazing but I'm so excited to see what he's going to do next because I think the opportunities are going to be endless for him. He's going to fly."
It follows the reports in March by The Sun that the fan favourite had quit the role, with him since featuring in dark scenes.
The media outlet claimed that a source close to the soap actor had said that while Charlie had "loved his time on the soap", he believed that now "the time is right to try new things."
A source said: "Charlie’s loved his time on the soap but the time is right to try new things. He’s hugely talented and very ambitious and wants to see what else is out there.
"He will always cherish his time in Weatherfield but for now it’s goodbye."
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Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
