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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Josh Luckhurst

Former Coronation Street star makes huge career change after leaving ITV soap

Former Coronation Street star Jamie Kenna has swapped the cobbles for coffees after entering into a new venture following his departure from the ITV soap.

Jamie, who appeared in The Peaky Blinders as boxer Billy Mills, first arrived in Weatherfield in July 2021 as Phill Whittaker before falling in love with Fiz Stape (Jenny McAlpine). But his time on the show lasted only one year before he left the long-running soap.

He has now got stuck into another role as cafe owner and barista after officially opening his new venture The Green Room in Brighton on Tuesday. The actor urged his 16,000 Instagram followers to pay a visit.

'The Green Room, The goodest cafe in town….OPEN TODAY!!' (Instagram)
Jamie left the soap last year (Jamie Kenna/Instagram)

One of the walls inside of the cafe was adorned with a phrase quoted by his six-year-old son. Sharing a photo of the slogan, Jamie wrote on Instagram: "The Green Room, The goodest cafe in town….OPEN TODAY!!"

Former Coronation Street co-star Jack James Ryan commented: "This is mega!! Huge congratulations mate x," and Cathy Matthews actress Melanie Hill added: "Congratulations!! Looks awesome."

Actress Kerry Howard replied: "I'm in Brighton this weekend I’ll swing by for a coffee!"

Jamie's character Phill married Fiz in his short-lived stint on the cobbles but, she soon realised her heart belonged with ex Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall). Phill threatened to drag out the divorce proceedings before eventually succumbed to her demands.

He then left Weatherfield to start a new life following the heartbreak as he did not want to live near Fiz and Tyrone following their reunion.

Last July, Jamie posted a video on Instagram thanking the ITV production for the opportunity to appear in Coronation Street after he announced he was leaving his role.

Jamie starred as Phill Whittaker in Coronation Street and married Fiz Stape in his one-year stint on the ITV soap (ITV)

He said: "The modern day Jack and Vera are reunited and I feels so honoured to have played my part in that.

"Jennie [McAlpine] and Alan [Halsall] are the best people to work with. I've had an absolute blast. I love this place. I love this show. What a ride it's been for Big Phill with two L's."

Jamie finished the video by teasing a potential return for the future. He said: "Who knows? Maybe it isn't the end. Maybe they'll bring him back but for now it's a massive goodbye from me."

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