Corrie actor Kelly quits

Coronation Street actor Craig Kelly is leaving the ITV soap...

12:02 19 June 2009

Coronation Street actor Craig Kelly is leaving the ITV soap after only a year on screen.

Kelly, who plays Luke Strong, will lave the soap at the end of the year when his character mysteriously disappears.

Kelly said of his departure: "I have had a ball playing Luke Strong and although it's been fun I always knew he would be a character that would enter the street in mysterious circumstances, ruffle feathers, make his mark and leave.

He added: "Being in Corrie was something I wanted to do but I didn't want to stay too long. I am grateful for the chance to have played such a great character and to have walked the cobbled street."

A Corrie spokesperson commented: "Some characters arrive in Weatherfield and stay for years, others pass through affecting the lives of the residents, just as in real life.

"Luke will not be killed off and the door will be left open for a possible return in the future."

Luke arrived in Weatherfield last February, when Carla Connor (Alison King) sent him to look after her share in the Underworld Knicker factory business, while she was away.

Kelly remains on screen until October, which is also when actress Alison King returns from her maternity leave.