Actor Ben Price, who plays Nick Tilsley, has announced plans to leave Coronation Street.
Ben's character Nick Tilsley, who has been on Corrie since 1981, will be leaving in a "dramatic" exit later in the year. The show's executive producer Kieran Roberts opened up about up about Ben's departure, saying: "We fully respect Ben's decision to leave Coronation Street. As Nick he has been at the centre of some of the biggest plots of the last seven years. He is valued member of cast who will be greatly missed but we still have many months of great storylines with him leading to his dramatic exit later this year."
Ben revealed he was leaving the show
The father-of-two is currently commuting to work in Manchester from his home in London, and revealed that he decided to leave the role to spend more time with his family. "Coronation Street has been the most significant part of my career and I have had a fantastic seven years here," he said. "The decision to leave is purely personal - I want to be able to spend more time with my family. I have been supported by a terrific cast and crew and have had the most glorious storylines and for that I am most grateful."
They are keeping details about Nick's exit under wraps
According to reports, his departure will be related to the discovery that Steve McDonald is the father of his love interest Leanne Battersby's child, however, the story is being kept tightly under wraps. The role of Nick was originated by Warren Jackson as a child until 1996, with Adam Rickett taking over the role from 1997-2004. Ben eventually joined the soap as Gail McIntyre's eldest son in 2009. Since then he has been a part of several major storylines, including getting into a car crash during an argument with his brother David, as well as marrying Leanne Battersby and Carla Connor.