Les Dennis is set to bid farewell to the ‘Coronation Street’ cobbles as the ITV soap prepares for one of the biggest cast shake-ups in years.
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The 62-year-old actor, who plays former burglar Michael Rodwell, is leaving to star in Alan Bleasdale’s ‘Down The Dock Road’ at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre in the new year.
But Les’ exit will only be temporary, as he’s set to return to Weatherfield later this year after signing a new contract that will see him stay on the soap throughout 2016.
Les Dennis
"It's a dream come true for me, but I will really be looking forward to get back to rekindle my soap role," Les told The Sun.
"I still pinch myself that I am in the show."
Les isn’t the only ‘Corrie’ star who is taking a break from the cobbles after it was revealed that Brooke Vincent is also set to have eight weeks off from playing Sophie Webster.
During her time away, Brooke will also be treading the boards in a Manchester theatre production.
Brooke Vincent
David Neilson - who plays Roy Cropper - will also temporarily leave the soap to pursue other projects.
And Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, is set to depart for an unspecified length of time after nearly a decade playing the factory boss.
Earlier this year it was revealed that Ryan Thomas, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw, was quitting the soap for good, while ‘Corrie’ stalwart Eileen Derbyshire, who plays Emily Bishop, is also set to take time off.
The temporary cast changes come ahead of new boss Kate Oates taking the reins in the new year.
The current ‘Emmerdale’ boss is said to be determined to rescue the soap by bringing back the jokes and 'leaving the dark stuff to rival soap ‘EastEnders '.