Daniel Brocklebank's 'heartbroken' partner launches stinging attack on Coronation Street - insisting soap exit 'isn't his decision' and swiping that 'ITV are making a huge mistake'

Daily Mail​

23-05-2025

Daniel Brocklebank's 'heartbroken' partner has launched a stinging attack on Coronation Street - insisting his soap exit 'isn't his decision and swiped that ' ITV are making a huge mistake'.
News that the actor, 45 - who plays Billy Mayhew in the show - would be leaving Weatherfield in a 'sensational storyline' broke on Friday (23 May) morning.
According to The Sun Daniel will wave goodbye to the Cobbles in 2026.
Daniel's boyfriend Jordan Coulthard took to his Instagram story to share his thoughts on the decision - and he certainly didn't hold back.
Jordan said on social media: 'Nothing to say. Not his decision. Huge mistake.
'I can't believe we are having this conversation. No words can express how heartbroken I am for him.
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'He will be magnificent.'
In another picture of Daniel posing as his alter-ego, he added: 'Utter madness.'
Daniel also took to Instagram after the news broke, sharing a snap of him as the vicar with the caption: 'Bye bye Billy,' and a red love heart.
MailOnline contacted Coronation Street for comment.
Meanwhile an insider revealed: 'Dan will be involved in a major storyline which will see Billy exit the cobbles in 2026. Details are being kept under wraps at this stage.'
Dan Brocklebank said of his departure: 'I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life.
'I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work.
'I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.'
Producer Kate Brooks added: 'Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit.
'We're incredibly sad to bid farewell to Dan, who has been fantastic in some of Corrie's biggest storylines over the past few years, most notably Paul's MND.
'An actor of immeasurable talent and skill, and an absolute treasure behind the scenes - he will be missed by all of us on the cobbles.'
Daniel shot to fame in the 90s and has landed a number of TV roles over the years.
He took on the role of Billy Mayhew in 2014.
But he has been in various other TV shows before that, including Casualty, Doctors, Emmerdale, The Bill Holby City and Waterloo Road.
After taking on the role of Billy, Daniel appeared as Carl Saunders in WPC 56, Lord Chancellor in Admiral and Brian Grey in Midsomer Murders.
Daniel also played Jules in Soft Lad, Delin in Native and James Anderson in The Confessions of Dorian Gray.
It comes after Colson Smith's last scenes as Craig Tinker on Coronation aired earlier this week.
The actor, 26 - who is best known for playing PC Tinker in the soap - appeared on ITV's This Morning to talk about his departure from the beloved programme.
Recalling the moment he was told that he no longer had a job on Coronation Street, Colson said: 'I've been in that building since I was 12. I know how it works. It's like any work place, you pick up on vibes, you pick up on things..
'I knew, I had a meeting at 7pm one night after work.
'I was in the Rovers all day, I was sat there kind of not saying anything, but my brain was like "I know what's coming tonight!".
'I told Jack and Ben, my two best mates at work, tonight's the night, I'm getting binned, that's what we call it.
'I was like tonight's the night, will you be there for me.
'They were there and I went up to boss, she looked at me and went "This isn't going to be an easy conversation."