[Scarlett.]

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

[Smithy]

No big surprise really, especially after the article the other day.

When he comes back, hopefully they have a better actor

[Scarlett.]

I'm not to bothered about him going, he's never been of any real use

[seanraff07]

So is he going to return eventually?

[Scarlett.]

He could return for one offs, but they said the same with Amber

[Firewire]

The only proper stroyline he had was the 'baby swap' one.

[Scarlett.]

Aye ^ and that was hated lol

Michelle will only be the only one from the original Connor line up xD

[seanraff07]

Originally Posted by Chewy

He could return for one offs, but they said the same with Amber

Ah ok, anyway not much of a loss, as long as Michelle is in it that's all that matters.

[Scarlett.]

I'm glad he's axing these side characters to give characters like Eileen screen time

[seanraff07]

Originally Posted by Chewy

I'm glad he's axing these side characters to give characters like Eileen screen time

And Steve, legend!

[Scarlett.]

and Lloyd!

[cub]

What happened to the other 'son'? Was it all quietly forgotten?

[Scarlett.]

Aye ^ lol, the storyline was hated so they dropped it, they should have seen it through imo

[Miss Ivy Balls]

Not very good at acting anyway.

Vicky has quit though.

[seanraff07]

Originally Posted by Chewy

and Lloyd!

Steve and Lloyd together are brilliant.

That storyline that involved that Slug guy..

Him and Lloyd were too funny when they were chasing him.

[Smithy]

Coronation Street bosses have dismissed claims that teen character Ryan Connor has been axed from the soap.

Earlier today, a tabloid newspaper reported that Ryan's future in the show was uncertain as he will be leaving Weatherfield to study at a university in Scotland in October.

The leaked plot was described as "the beginning of the end" for Kym Marsh's screen son, with insiders suggesting that he would subsequently be on "the very periphery, if there at all".

However, show producers have insisted that they remain committed to Thompson's character and exploring his relationship with mum Michelle.

It is understood that Ryan will still return to Weatherfield regularly when he has university holidays.

An ITV spokesperson this morning told DS: "Ryan hasn't been axed from the show and is still very much a part of Michelle Connor's life. There are plans to see him in future episodes when he returns from university for holidays."

Thompson has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2006.

[Scarlett.]

Let's see if they do bring him back, since the same was said of Amber

[BigSister]

Yeah that was pretty random with Amber

[Jords]

Meh Ryan doesnt add much, I liked his little involvement in the Sophie/Sian storyline though.