Real reason Chris Gascoyne quit Coronation Street revealed as he exits soap for big money jobs after 23 years
THE Sun previously revealed that Chris Gascoyne has quit Coronation Street 23 years after first joining the soap.
The actor plays the role of Peter Barlow, but a source exclusively told us that he will leave his role later this year.
Chris, 55, first joined Coronation Street in 2000 – making his debut during the live episode for the 40th anniversary – before quitting in 2003.
He made a return in 2007, but he then left the serial drama again in 2014.
Actor Chris rejoined the soap in 2016 and has played Peter ever since.
Chris is the seventh actor to play Ken Barlow’s eldest son and a source told The Sun that he wants to pursue other roles.
The insider said: “Chris has decided to take an extended break from the soap.
“He loves working at Coronation Street but he’s got a lot of things he wants to do and the time is right for him to take a break and pursue other roles.
“It isn’t a final goodbye and the door is very much being left open.
“Obviously fans will be devastated but there’s a good few months of huge drama yet before he bids farewell to the cobbles.”
The Sun understands there is no set return date but the plan is for Chris to return as Peter in the future.
His final scenes will play out at the end of the year.
There are many options available for Chris, which include starring in one of the traditional panto performances.
In fact, a run as short as three weeks in a leading role can earn famous faces, up to six-figure salaries. Oh yes it can.
In 2017, Shane Richie reportedly earned £120k to play Robin Hood in Woking.
After his winning stint in Celebrity Big Brother, it was reported that Ryan Thomas likely received a six-figure pay cheque for a starring role as Captain Hook in the Hayes production of Peter Pan.
EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has been on the panto circuit for years and reportedly earns around £130,000 a production.
Coronation Street has been contacted for comment.