Coronation Street star Joe Layton is leaving his role on the hit ITV soap.
The actor, who portrays Mick Michaelis on the soap, joined the show just last month alongside partner Lou but he will soon be making his exit.
It’s been revealed that Joe’s stint was always planned to be temporary after he originally joined on a fixed contract for a special storyline, with no ‘shock’ exit planned.
An insider has since told The Mirror that Mick’s character will remain on screen until late July, with the soap source teasing there was ‘lots more to come’.
Corrie’s Mick and wife Lou have caused quite a stir on the Cobbles with their arrival as they quickly made friends with Chesney and Gemma.
After landing the role, Joe explained that it was a dream come true to join the ITV show.
Coronation Street star Joe Layton has quit his role on the hit ITV soap on Monday – just months after making history
The actor, who portrays Mick Michaelis on the soap, joined just last month alongside partner Lou but he will now be making a shock exit already
He said: ‘Coronation Street is such an insтιтute in British television and to get to walk down the cobbles in Mick’s shoes is so exciting.
‘To also do it alongside Farrel is awesome – we are having great fun together and connecting really well whilst developing our characters.
‘It also gives the opportunity to get a look behind the curtain of this huge machine and be a small cog within the big picture of Coronation Street and to work alongside people who take such pride in their work.
‘It’s just a really happy place, friendly and welcoming. I’m going to relish every moment of it.’
Previously discussing his villain role, Joe explained that he was very excited to be portraying an ‘interesting’ character.
He added: ‘I really enjoy playing what people would refer to as a baddie or a villain, because for me the most interesting thing is all how we move past the first initial judgement of them, especially when you’re going to be playing them.
‘It’s really interesting because when you’re playing a character, a part of you has got to love them and empathize with them and understand them.
‘I always think ‘how do I get into this character’s shoes and why is it the way he is and why does he do the things that he does?’ So I always find it really rewarding and a real kind of privilege to any character, but especially the psychologically complex characters.
However Joe’s stint was always planned to be temporary as it has been revealed that he originally joined on a fixed contract for a special storyline, with no ‘shock’ exit
An inside has since told The Mirror that Mick’s character will remain on screen until late July, with the soap insider teasing there was ‘lots more to come’
‘Working with Sam and Dolly-Rose has been amazing, like I said, everyone at Corrie is so welcoming and the Winter-Browns are an iconic family!’
After making his debut it was soon revealed to ITV viewers that Mick has been harᴀssing fan favourite Chesney.
Joe said: ‘I think the audience will be shocked to realise that it’s Mick who was harᴀssing Chesney all this time because it’s been drip fed out and from what I’ve seen, no one knew what was happening with the man with the silver van.
‘It’s been great to have that kind of depth to play with and it’s been fun.’