Former Coronation Street stars now – from tragic deaths to shameful sacking | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Coronation Street has been a beloved classic in millions of homes across the UK for 64 years.

Since its debut in December 1960, there have been an incredible 57 births, 146 deaths and 131 weddings, and in addition to the gripping storylines, the TV soap has also seen a constant change in the cast.

In over 10,000 episodes, fans have had to say goodbye to many characters, while actors like Bill Roache have not left the series since arriving on the cobblestones in the first episode.

But despite the often dramatic storylines, many Corrie stars have left the show to change careers, there have been redundancies and others have been struck by tragedy.

Here's a look back at some of the most famous characters and where they are now since leaving Weatherfield.

John Savident as Fred Elliott

Fred was a famous butcher on Corrie, known for his booming voice and catchphrase: “I say, I say.”

After landing the role in 1994, actor John Savident left the soap opera in 2006 for “personal reasons” after his character died of a stroke.

After leaving the show, John starred in pantomimes, appeared in the 2012 Holby City Christmas special and provided the voice of Doctor Who in Order of the Daleks.

In February, the actor's agent confirmed his death at the age of 86, stating: “We are saddened to announce the death of actor John Savident, who passed away on Wednesday, February 21. He was a beloved husband and father of two children and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Steve Arnold as Ashley Peacock

Steve Arnold's character Ashley tragically left Coronation Street in the show's 50th anniversary episode, 15 years after his debut.

After his departure, the actor acted in various television roles and also worked as a producer.

After leaving television, Steve found his passion after doing “over 40 stage jobs.”

He explained: “I had never been on stage until I left Coronation Street and it was great doing all these different things, playing different characters in different plays and doing something new every two or three months.

“It is every actor’s dream and long may it remain so.”

Bruno Langley as Todd Grimshaw

After 17 years on the soap opera, Bruno's television career came to a shocking end when he was kicked off the show after being convicted of sexually assaulting two women.

The disgraced actor admitted at Manchester Magistrates Court in December 2017 that he had a drinking problem and sometimes could not remember the morning after his drinking binges.

Although Bruno avoided a prison sentence, he was given a 12-month community sentence “at the strict level”, an electronic ankle bracelet and an order to sign the sex offenders' register for five years and pay £250 compensation to each victim.

His contract with Corrie ended before the trial in October 2017 and he was not allowed to film an exit.

A spokesman for the show said at the time: “Bruno Langley is no longer contracted with Coronation Street.”

Craig Charles as Lloyd Mullaney

Craig became famous for his role as taxi driver Lloyd, who was Steve McDonald's best friend despite his unforgettable romance with his mother Liz.

However, ten years after taking office, Craig left the role to star as Dave Lister in the BBC sitcom Red Dwarf.

Craig also tried his hand at reality TV, including the show “I'm a Celebrity” (2014), but had to leave the show after four days after being informed of the death of his brother Dean.

In addition to appearing on screen, the actor also works as a DJ and hosts the shows “The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show” and “Craig Charles At Teatime” on BBC Radio 6.