Coronation Street star ‘sad’ over Peter Barlow’s exit from soap after 20 years

Coronation Street actor Bill Fellows, who plays Stu Carpenter in the ITV soap, has spoken out over Chris Gascoyne’s departure. Chris, who has played Peter Barlow since 2000, is expecting to be leaving the cobbles in the upcoming months. In July this year, it was revealed that although fans will be saying goodbye to the long-running character, the actor’s departure isn’t permanent. Sharing his thoughts on Chris’ extended break from the soap, actor Bill admitted he hopes to work with him before he leaves. Speaking to The Mirror, the soap star was asked who he’d like to film scenes within the show. Peter Barlow has been part of the ITV soap since 2000 (Image: ITV) He said: ‘A very good friend of mine who I’ve had very little to do with is Chris Gascoyne. ‘But unfortunately he is leaving, it’s sad but hopefully I will have a few little things with him [before he goes], but everyone is so good and so nice.” Bill also praised actor William Roache, who plays the famous Ken Barlow, by stating he really likes working with him. Although it’s not yet known when Chris will bow out from the show, it seems as though he’s currently still filming. The long-running character is married to Carla Connor (Image: ITV) Since his arrival over 20 years ago, viewers have seen the actor bow out of the show on numerous occasions. However, since 2016 he’s remained a permanent fixture on the cobbles as the husband of Underworld boss Carla Connor (Alison King) The storyline surrounding his exit is being kept under wraps, however, it could be linked the the imminent downfall of Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce). Chris already has work lined up for his time after Coronation Street as he’s taking part in panto later this year. It’s not yet known how Peter will leave the soap (Image: ITV) Heading to St. Albans, the soap star will be playing Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, the theatre released in a statement. Although Head of Brand Marketing at Slingo Dom Aldworth revealed Chris needs to be smart over the work he takes on after the soap as it could impact his return. He told Daily Star: ‘Unlike more youth-facing soaps like Hollyoaks which have a fan base that follows the cast closely on social media, Coronation Street attracts an older demographic. ‘This means despite his veteran status, Gascoyne will need to be deliberate with his next moves if he wants to further his career and stay relevant in the industry.’ Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm