[Scarlett.]

Coronation Street bosses have confirmed that Brian Packham will be leaving the soap later this year.

Peter Gunn, who plays the primary school headteacher, was recently told that his current deal with the ITV show will not be renewed.

A Coronation Street spokesperson told The Sun: "Peter will leave at the end of his current contract. The decision is purely storyline-driven.

"Peter is a great actor who has made the character of Brian Packham a joy to watch."

Brian made his debut on the cobbles in April 2010. He became a regular from summer 2011, when he settled down in a relationship with factory worker Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh).

As part of his double act with Julie, Brian has mainly been involved in comedy storylines.

However, the couple also took centre stage in heartbreaking scenes last year when a medical scare for Julie resulted in her ovaries being removed, dashing her hopes of starting a family with Brian.

Coronation Street continues tonight (February 18) at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.