Paddy Bever has confirmed that he is leaving Coronation Street later this year, after appearing on the ITV soap for four years.

The actor, 22, who plays Max Turner, first joined the long-running show in 2021 and has already filmed his final scenes.

In a statement, he said: ‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities.

‘I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way.’

He continued to The Mirror: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show.

‘This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’

Paddy Bever has confirmed that he is leaving Coronation Street later this year, after starring on the show for four years

The actor, 22, who plays Max Turner, first joined the soap in 2021 and has already filmed his final scenes

A source close to the ITV soap revealed that Paddy informed bosses he would not be renewing his contract once it expired.

Producers have planned a dramatic exit storyline for his character, which will heavily involve the Platt family in intense and emotional scenes.

An insider shared: ‘This is not a surprise or a shock and is all part of the ebb and flow of characters from the show. 

‘We have many new characters joining in the coming weeks and months – and also some returning characters.’

His exit marks the seventh cast departure in just two months, after several other cast members also announced they were either quitting or had been written out. 

It appears the ITV soap is in trouble due to an alleged cash crisis and a revolt from the cast over poor working conditions and low salaries.

Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, and Luca Toolan — have all announced they will be leaving the show.

New boss Kate had previously warned that multiple characters face the axe as she told of several ‘unexpected exits’ coming up this year.

Producers have planned a dramatic exit storyline for his character, which will heavily involve the Platt family in intense and emotional scenes

Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, and Luca Toolan — have all announced they will be leaving the show (pictured Charlotte on soap in 2021)

Her exit comes after several other actors have left the soap in the last few weeks, including Sue Cleaver, who has played the iconic Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years (pictured in September)

While just two days later, Colson also confirmed he was leaving in the summer after 14 years on the soap as police officer Craig Tinker (pictured on show in June) 

The producer, who previously took the helm at Emmerdale, recently opened up about her plans for Weatherfield and its residents in 2025.

And while there’s plenty of sizzling storylines and drama to come, there are several cast members who won’t get to see this as their characters are set to leave the show in a move that is tipped to send ‘shockwaves’ throughout the show.

Speaking to The Sun and other press, Kate explained of the upcoming plans: ‘There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves. People might not expect the exits, but there are a few.’

It comes after it was reported that stars are set to be offered shorter contracts amid the soap’s declining viewing figures and financial woes.

Corrie only pulled in 2.6million viewers for its Christmas Day special which saw Gail Platt (Helen Worth) leave after 50 years on the show.

And last week, The Sun claimed that producers may now only guarantee contracts until the end of 2025 amid тιԍнтened budgets.

New boss Kate had previously warned that multiple characters face the axe as she told of several ‘unexpected exits’ coming up this year (pictured in 2022) 

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A source told the publication: ‘The cast of Corrie is huge and some aren’t getting enough episodes.

‘A few paid per episode are struggling to pay mortgages are having to supplement income with personal appearances and ads on Instagram.

‘A lot of cast members are now on ‘guest contracts’ like Maureen Lipman and Kate Ford. These are short term, so they can come and go and take extended breaks. The cast have been told they can’t guarantee any contracts beyond the end of 2025.’

MailOnline contacted representatives of Coronation Street for comment at the time.