Coronation Street star Jamie Kenna has confirmed that he has officially left the show. The actor joined the ITV soap last year as Phill Whittaker. The character became Fiz Stape's night in shining armor after she was left devasted by her partner Tyrone Dobbs' secret affair with their lodger Alina Pop.
It wasn't long before Fiz was loved-up with her new man and the pair had planned to move into Phill's posh new home, but troubles with repairs led to Fiz moving back into the home she shared with Tyrone as well as their children Hope and Ruby. And despite Fiz discovering her new man was writing a book about her serial killer ex-husband, the hopeless romantic still agreed to marry him.
However, their wedding day ended in the bride doing a runner from the reception in the Bistro when Fiz realised she still loved Tyrone, hours after say 'I Do' with Phill in front of a number of their family and friends.
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Phill was left crushed and has been doing all he can, albeit cringey, to win Fiz back. He did, however, finally agree to an annulment but when he caught Fiz and Tyrone at a couple's therapy session, he flipped and told her he wanted a divorce and that the process could take 12 months.
But he had another change of heart and in scenes aired during Monday night's trip to the cobbles (July 25), Phill finally handed Fiz the signed annulment, with Fiz then headed out for a celebratory dinner. And it has now been confirmed that Phill has officially exited Weatherfield.
Actor Jamie appeared in video which was posted by Coronation Street on their official social media channels. They wrote in the caption: "This week we said goodbye to Phill with 2 L's! Here's a goodbye message from Jamie Kenna."
He said in the video filmed on the Salford-based set: "Hello guys, hello all you amazing Coronation Street fans. It’s Jamie here, I’m outside the antique shop where it all began a year ago, when Phil first laid eyes on Fiz. But sadly, as we now know, I couldn’t keep them apart any longer, the modern day Jack and Vera are reunited.
"Jennie and Alan are the best people to work with. I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the love and support for me and Phill, I’ve had an absolutely blast. I love this place, I love this show, what a ride it’s been for big Phill with 2 L’s! Who knows, maybe it isn’t the end, maybe they’ll bring him back but for now, it’s a massive goodbye from me and sending loads of love and thank you to everyone at Corrie, all of you guys for tuning in, without you and without these guys at Corrie, there’s no way I would’ve stayed as long as I have."
He then added: "Keep watching this brilliant show, keep this show alive, it’s the bedrock of British television, it’s iconic. Look after yourselves and stay safe, I’ll see you somewhere down the road."
Jamie has also since posted the clip to his own Instagram page. "The Sad news is out! @coronationstreet," he wrote to his followers. He then posted the video again and said: " I’m gutted but all good things come to an end! Thanks for all your love & support! @coronationstreet."
And fans were sharing in his upset. @paulalunt58 said: "Please make them let you stay." @sharons__nail_and_beauty commented: "Awww nooo you can’t leave your brilliant Actor I will miss you." @becks.louise.144 commented: "Best of luck for the future Jamie. Coronation Street won't be the same without you. Hope to see you back one day."
@mackembernie wrote: "Good luck for the furture. Hopefully phill will be back one day he could always write that book on john as revenge." @bernadette_oreilly70 replied: "Gutted to hear this but wish you all the very best of luck for the future." @lisabeeloves added: "You were absolutely brilliant as Phill and we will really miss you. Hope they can find a way for you to return in the future. Good luck."
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