Charlie Condou as Marcus Dent
Charlie Condou has quit 'Coronation Street'.
The 40-year-old actor, who plays Marcus Dent, will leave the long-running ITV soap for a second time next summer following a three-year stint but producers will leave the door open for him to return.
Charlie - who first played Marcus between 2007 and 2008 and returned to the Manchester-based show in 2011 - told The Sun newspaper: "I've had a fantastic time at 'Corrie' but feel it's time to move on. I was only meant to return for three months and ended up staying for three years.
"The producers have been really supportive and are leaving the door open for Marcus, which is great, and my exit will certainly be explosive."
Series Producer Stuart Blackburn added: "I will be incredibly sad to see Charlie go and we wish well for what I know will be an exciting future."
Charlie's character will find himself embroiled in a bitter love battle in his final storyline before leaving screens next year.
Marcus is currently in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) - whom he developed feelings for last year, despite previously identifying himself as gay - but their romance will come under threat when Todd Grimshaw, played by Bruno Langley, sets his sights on him.
Soap bosses promise Marcus and Todd's illicit involvement will "divide" the residents of Weatherfield in the lead-up to Marcus' exit.
Tagged in Coronation Street Charlie Condou