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CORRIE favourite Ryan Connor has become the latest character to be axed by new producer Phil Collinson.

The news comes just a day after Vicky Entwistle quit her role as Janice Battersby.

Ryan - played for four years by Ben Thompson, 18 - goes in October.

Viewers will see him reject his place at a university close to the Weatherfield cobbles to study in Scotland instead.

Ryan and mum Michelle, played by Kym Marsh, have been involved in several exciting storylines.

Even so, Collinson picked him out as the first of the younger generation to be axed from the Street.

A source said: "Phil has made no secret of the fact he thinks Coronation Street has too many teenagers.

"He reckons it needs more 'real' characters like Eileen Grimshaw and is worried it's too much like Hollyoaks."

The source added: "By sending Ryan to Scotland, he leaves the door open for him to pop back.

"But it's definitely the beginning of the end. His character is on the very periphery, if there at all."

Last night a Corrie spokeswoman confirmed Ben's contract will not be renewed, but said he may be paid episode-by-episode if needed.

Since taking over early this year, Collinson has axed Ashley and Claire Peacock, played by Steven Arnold and Julia Howarth.

Molly Dobbs (actress Vicky Binns) and Natasha Blakeman (Rachel Leskovac) will also go this year.

The Sun