Coronation Street legend quits the soap after 23 years ‘with no plans to return’ 

A Coronation Street legend has quit the soap after 23 years.

Chris Gascoyne, 55, who plays Peter Barlow, is stepping down from his acting role with the soap later this year.

His departure is tie into a huge and dramatic storyline following his choice to quit the soap, with no plans to return to the cobbles.

A source told the MailOnline: ‘He’s taking an extended break as he has done before with no set date for return as yet.

‘He will be on screen until the end of the year, with the door will be very much left open.’

Shock: Chris Gascoyne , 55, who plays Peter Barlow, is stepping down from his acting role with the soap later this year and has no plans to return 

Chris first joined the soap in 2000, making a debut during the 40th anniversary live episode.

He later quit in 2003 and make a swift return in 2007, before quitting again in 2014.

The actor joined the soap again in 2016 and has continued to play Peter ever since, in storylines such as alcohol addiction and custody battles.

His onscreen dad, Ken Barlow, has seen seven actor’s play the role of his son, with Chris possibly being the last in his dramatic departure. 

John Heannau played him from 1965–1970, before Chris Dormer took over for a year, before Mark Duncan took over a year later in 1971. 

Ken Barlow actor William Roache’s real-life son Linus Roache then joined the soap as Peter in 1973 for two years, before Joseph McKenner made his debut in 1977 for a year. 

Fans took to Twitter to express their sadness and wrote: ‘I’ve got eras tour tickets but Chris Gascoyne is leaving corrie what a confusing emotional journey today is.’

‘Do you reckon I can phone in sick to work because of the emotional impact of Chris Gascoyne leaving coronation street.’

Ageless! Chris’ first appearance on Coronation Street 23 years ago

Farewell: Chris first joined the soap in 2000, making a debut during the 40th anniversary live episode. He later quit in 2003 and make a swift return in 2007, before quitting again in 2014 

Emotional: Fans took to Twitter to share their sadness following his departure

‘Not my mum phoning me to ask if I’m okay and offer her heartfelt support whilst also demanding that open a helpline for Peter Barlow fans during this very difficult time.’

‘Wow! Didn’t see Peter Barlow leaving Corrie. Wonder what it’ll mean for Carla/Peter?’

What happens now? His departure is set be huge in a dramatic storyline following his choice to quit the soap, with no plans to return to the cobbles