Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank, who has played vicar Billy Mayhew since 2014, has announced he is “stepping away” from the ITV soap.
Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank left fans devastated as he announced he is “stepping away” from the ITV soap.
Daniel has played vicar Billy Mayhew since 2014 – and this year was involved in a tragic storyline when his husband Paul Foreman was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, sadly passing away without his husband there to say goodbye.
Such a heavy-hitting storyline would take its toll on the hardiest of actors, so Daniel has decided to step away for a break while he stars in a West End production.
He announced on X: “I’m hugely excited to announce that I’ll be stepping away from the cobbles of @itvcorrie (only for a few days) to debut the role of Antonio in @figaromusical, a brand new musical at the iconic venue the @LondonPalladium on the 3rd and 4th of Feb 2025. Tickets are on sale now.”
Set in Italy in the 1800s, the musical follows Sienna – a young woman who dreams of singing but is trapped working on her father’s farm. She meets the handsome Figaro who promises to make her dreams come true – but it comes with a price.
Daniel Brocklebank has played Billy Mayhew since 2014
The musical is billed as “part love story, part mystery” and stars Aimie Atkinson as Sienna, and Jon Robyns as Figaro.
Shortly after announcing his big news, Daniel was inundated with support from fans, with one writing: “Congratulations, we will miss you in Corrie!” As someone else agreed: “Congratulations, have a great time!”
Others, however, risked Daniel’s ire as one taunted: “I hope you can sing…” In response, Dan posted a video of him singing a track from The Greatest Showman, before telling the social media troll: “I hope you find some happiness, truly.”
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Another troll posted: “I have read on social media that Daniel Brocklebank is leaving Coronation Street for a role in London’s West End. I wish him success and a long stay in London, maybe ten or twenty years. He won’t be missed.”
Daniel was totally calm in his response, writing: “Great to have your support. You charming flirt you. You’ll be pleased to know I’m not disappearing from the cobbles any time soon and if you can’t get enough of me please feel free to buy tickets for the show!”
