Actor Les Dennis is leaving Coronation Street with a "dramatic end" promised for his character, Michael Rodwell.
Lifelong Corrie fan Dennis has played Rodwell on the soap since 2014. The character was introduced as a burglar but he changed his ways and found love with his intended victim, Gail Platt. However, their marriage hit trouble when Michael discovered that Gail had lied to him about his son.
Liverpudlian Dennis said the decision to leave the Manchester soap had been difficult.
"I always knew that the time would come when I would want the freedom to do more projects, and now feels like the right time," he explained.
He added that he would "treasure" his time on the show and was looking forward to an exciting exit storyline.
The show's producer, Kate Oates, praised former Family Fortunes presenter Dennis for bringing "warmth, wit and integrity" to his role as Michael.
"We have worked on giving him a great story to ensure a fantastic and dramatic end to his time on the Street. I can't wait to see it unfold," she said.
