Jimi Mistry has confirmed that he will be leaving Coronation Street. The small-screen star announced his farewell on Twitter, just days after the first reports emerged that the actor would be making an exit.
Jimi, who has been on the ITV show for a year and a half, plays popular character Kal Nazir, a fitness coach and former soldier.
It is not yet known how he will leave the soap, but it is thought that Kal will be at the centre of a huge secret twist in the plot.
"It's been a great ride but time to say farewell Kal some great stuff coming up stay tuned!" wrote Jimi, 42. The actor, who has starred in The Guru, Blood Diamond and Ella Enchanted among other feature films, also linked to a statement from ITV.
"When I was told about this storyline I felt it was a brilliant way to say goodbye to Kal and I am really looking forward to filming my departure scenes," said Jimi.
He also gave a special mention to producer Stuart Blackburn, adding: "I want to thank Stuart and the team for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic show. This is the longest I have ever been in one job and I have enjoyed it immensely."
The soap producer returned the compliments, saying: "Jimi is a talented actor and an asset to the show and we will be sorry to see him go, but this is a fantastic exit storyline there are still many twists and turns for the character in the coming months."
Stuart gave few details about what the departure will entail, but did reveal that Kal's exit will have "huge ramifications for the Nazirs and Leanne going forward." Leanne Tilsley, played by actress Jane Danson, is Kal's current girlfriend in the soap.
Jimi's exit from the cobbles of Weatherfield is expected to take place in the spring or summer.