ITV has confirmed that Chris Gascoyne, who plays Peter Barlow in Coronation Street, is set to take an "extended break" from the soap.
The actor has starred in the series for 23 years and during that time has turned his character into a fan favourite.
The son of legendary lothario Ken Barlow, Peter has had several major storylines during his time on the soap, including those involving alcohol addiction, bigamy and custody battles.
ITV has said that there is no set date for his return as yet and that fans can expect to see Gascoyne on screen until the end of this year.
A spokesperson for the TV network said that Gascoyne has taken breaks from the show on previous occasions, and that the door will "very much be left open" for him to return.
Six other actors have played the role of Peter Barlow in the soap's history, with Gascoyne the most recent and longest-running in the role.
