Coronation Street's Peter Barlow star Chris Gascoyne 'delighted' as he breaks silence on ITV soap exit after 23 years

Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne has said he is 'delighted' as he broke his silence on his upcoming exit. The actor is known for playing Peter Barlow in the ITV soap but he'll soon be saying farewell to his alter-ego and the Cobbles after 23 years.

Chris already confirmed in July that he will be leaving the role after becoming the seventh actor to play Ken Barlow's son in 2000. But a Coronation Street spokesperson said at the time that the door is 'left open' - meaning the 55-year-old could return in the future.

And following recent events in Weatherfield, fans are thinking it could be jail time for the beloved character. Corrie fans were left in a state of dismay during Friday night's episode (October 13) as it was revealed that Peter was the reason for Stephen Reid's shocking permanent exit.

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Fans have been speculating as to how the serial killer would leave after his crimes finally caught up with him. As a desperate Stephen was cornered in the Rovers by partner Jenny Connor and Sarah Barlow, we saw him bash his niece over the head with a bottle. A final showdown with Jenny then led to him holding her hostage during his bid to escape before being mown down in a car by Peter, moments after he’d set Jenny free.

Following Stephen's dramatic end, Chris has revealed that he is pleased that Peter is the person Corrie producers chose to kill murderer Stephen. He says it was perfect timing that he had decided to leave the show, just as they were exploring the end of actor Todd Boyce's storyline as Stephen.

He revealed that the aftermath of the death