[Scarlett.]

Actor Craig Gazey, who plays Graeme Proctor, is to leave Coronation Street this summer.

Craig will leave in May but Graeme will be seen on-screen until July.

Craig said the decision to leave the Street wasn't easy.

He said: "When I first joined the cast I had no idea just how much I would enjoy being part of such an amazing team. But I became an actor for the diversity of work and the opportunity to play different roles, I also really miss working in theatre. I feel this is the right time for me to leave after two and a half fantastic years playing a unique and brilliantly written character. I don’t know what the future holds but I hope I will be given the opportunity to show my versatility as an actor and work on different projects."

Corrie producer Phil Collinson said: "Craig very quickly created a brilliant and memorable character and we are very sad to see him go. But we wish him well and all hope this isn’t the last we see of Graeme."

Craig first appeared on Corrie as hapless jailbird Graeme Proctor in April 2008. He was David Platt’s cellmate during his time in a young offender’s institution.

He returned later that year to stay with the Platts on his release from prison and quickly established himself as a firm favourite with viewers.

Graeme’s quirky sense of humour and unconventional view of the world soon endeared him to the residents of the Street and complete with second-hand rickshaw, he became Weatherfield’s gardening expert and then window cleaner.

More recently he has been Ashley Peacock’s sidekick in the butchers and earlier this year he finally found love with the gorgeous Tina McIntyre.

ITV.com

Is this quitting day or something?