Daniel Brocklebank’s exit from Coronation Street is ‘end of an era’ for ITV soap
Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank is coming towards the end of his run as Billy Mayhew after more than a decade on the nation’s most famous street
Billy Mayhew has been at the centre of some of Coronation Street’s most dramatic storylines for more than a decade
Daniel Brocklebank‘s exit from Coronation Street has been hailed as the ‘end of an era’ for the ITV programme. The actor, 45, made his debut on the world’s longest-running TV soap in 2014, and has been with the programme ever since but is set to leave at some point in the coming months.
During his time on the show, Billy, who was introduced as the local vicar, has been at the centre of numerous storylines, and was initially a love interest for Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) before striking up a relationship with Todd Grimshaw. He also became the adoptive father of Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) and helped close friend Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) rescue a Polish girl who had been enslaved by a wealthy couple.
In more recent years, things took a dark turn when Billy confessed to Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) that he had caused the crash that killed his twin sister Susan more than 20 years ago he turned to drugs to cope before enduring a spell in rehab. He was then dealt with further heartbreak when his partner Paul Foreman died after a battle with MND, in what was an award-winning storyline for the show. Currently on the programme, Billy has been seen becoming suspicious as now-best friend Todd is subjected to controlling forms of abuse by his boyfriend Theo.
Billy has become a fan favourite during his time on the cobbles
A source told The Sun: “It’s the end of an era for the show with Billy’s time on the cobbles coming to an end. He’s been central to some of Corrie’s biggest storylines in the past decade but all things come to an end.”
But a representative for Coronation Street has confirmed that it is not entirely over for Billy yet, telling The Mirror: “Daniel hasn’t yet filmed his final scenes. He is still filming.”
Prior to landing the role of Billy, Daniel was probably most famous for playing Ivan Jones on Emmerdale, a role he held from 2005 until 2006. He’s also appeared in the films Native, Admiral and Soft Lad during his time on the cobbles, but recently revealed that he will be heading back to the theatre over the festive season, and will be starring opposite a production of Young Frankenstein in Liverpool, taking over the part from Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba.
Earlier this year, it was claimed that Billy would be killed off in one of the biggest storylines of the festive period. According to sources, bosses don’t have any plans for Daniel’s character to return.
“There aren’t any plans to bring him back onto the soap so it makes sense make his exit the most impactful and explosive it can be,” a source told the Sun.
In recent weeks, viewers have seen his concern for Todd Grimshaw amid his abusive relationship with Theo Silverton
“It’s likely Billy will be a focus point of the Christmas/New Year storylines, with fans expected to be at the edge of their seats in the run-up.”
With little else known on his exit, fans will eagerly await any big storyline. Daniel, meanwhile previously admitted he was “sad” to be leaving the soap. He recently said: “I have been working on ‘Corrie’ for a quarter of my life.
“I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work. I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.”
The actor’s partner, Jordan Coulthard later admitted the decision to leave the Corrie cobbles wasn’t one that was led by Daniel. He also branded his axing as a “huge mistake” by bosses.
According to MailOnline, he wrote on his Instagram Story: “Nothing to say. Not his decision. Huge mistake. I can’t believe we are having this conversation. No words can express how heartbroken I am for him.”
Producer Kate Brooks previously paid tribute to Daniel and his work on the show in a gushing tribute to the star. She said: “Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit.
“We’re incredibly sad to bid farewell to Dan, who has been fantastic in some of ‘Corrie’s biggest storylines over the past few years, most notably Paul’s MND.
“An actor of immeasurable talent and skill, and an absolute treasure behind the scenes – he will be missed by all of us on the cobbles.”
Coronation Street is on ITV and STV at 8pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and ITVX and STV Player at 7am
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
