Ward quits Corrie
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2006 14:56
Ward quits Corrie
Actor Bill Ward is to leave Coronation Street after three and a half years on the soap, ITV has confirmed.
Ward, who plays Machiavellian builder Charlie Stubbs on the show, explained that his choice to depart the show had "been a very difficult decision to make".
"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," he said.
"I just felt that I'd done with Charlie everything I possibly could, and that it was probably time to move on."
An ITV spokesperson denied the suggestion that Charlie Stubbs' girlfriend Tracy Barlow, played by actress Kate Ford, is also planning to leave, saying that scriptwriters had been planning on developing new storylines for Ward's character.
It was however suggested that Ward's exit in January next year promises to be one of the most "explosive" departures the Street has seen in its 30-year history.
Earlier this month media reports speculated that Richard Fleeshman, who won ITV's Soapstar Superstar talent contest this spring, is planning to leave the show to concentrate on a musical career.