Bill Ward has decided to leave 'Coronation Street' when his current contract expires next year.
Ward, who plays scheming builder Charlie Stubbs in the show, will leave next January in one of the most explosive storylines to date on the show.
Speaking about his decision to leave the show, Ward said: "It’s been a very difficult decision to make. I have had the most fantastic three-and-a-half years on the Street."
"Charlie has been the most fantastic character to play, and I’d really like to thank all the writers, storyliners and producers for giving him and me such great stories."
"I just felt that I'd done with Charlie everything I possibly could, and that it was probably time to move on," he said.
'Coronation Street' producer Steve Frost said: "Bill Ward is an asset to the show and we would have been developing further storylines for the character of Charlie Stubbs had he not decided to leave. He will be missed."
An ITV spokesperson also commented on recent media reports that Kate Ford, who plays Charlie Stubbs' girlfriend Tracy Barlow, was planning to leave the show.
The spokesperson said: "Contrary to press reports Bill's decision to leave is not linked to the future of the character of Tracy Barlow. Actress Kate Ford is contracted to 'Coronation Street' until March 2007."
