Coronation Street’s Chris Gascoyne snapped ahead of ‘horrible’ soap exit as Peter Barlow

Soap star Chris Gascoyne has been photographed in Manchester ahead of his upcoming departure from hit ITV soap Coronation Street after playing Peter Barlow in 23 years.

The actor, 55, cut a casual on Thursday as he strolled in the city while puffing on an e-cigarette. Chris sported blue jeans and a grey jumper, along with a Carhartt denim waistcoat and an orange baseball cap.

He is set to leave his role on Coronation Street at the end of 2023 as he sets his sights on new opportunities, including a panto role which will see him reportedly rake in a six-figure salary during the festive period.

Earlier in the year, a source broke the news of Chris' departure to the MailOnline, saying that there is no return date set at the moment.

They said: "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."

Chris first joined the soap in 2000, and then made his character permanent in 2016, with a few exits in between. He's taken. on numerous hard-hitting storylines throughout is 23-year stint on the cobbles and his character is set to be sorely missed during his extended break.

Peter Barlow has been played by seven actors on Coronation Street since he was born on-screen in April of 1965. However, Chris made his debut as Peter during the show's live episode for their 40th anniversary in 2000.

In 2003 he left the role briefly before returning in 2008. He then left again in 2014 but returned for the funeral of Deirdre Barlow in 2015. Then in 2016, Chris returned, and has remained in the role ever since. Peter's exit storyline is yet to be announced.

Chris' new project has already been revealed however, as the actor is swapping Manchester for Saint Albans as his next career move has been announced, with the 55 year old set to take to the stage as Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan at The Alban Arena.

Confirming the news earlier this year, the arena said: "The Alban Arena are delighted to announce Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan this pantomime season!"

It's been speculated that the star could 'earn £130,000' for starring in the pantomime. According to The Sun, a run as short as three weeks in a panto's leading role can earn famous faces up to six-figure salaries.

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