10:14 07 January 2011
Craig Gazey who plays butcher and ex-jailbird Graeme Proctor is set to leave Coronation Street in the summer.
The actor, who first appeared in the soap in 2008 as David Platt's cellmate, announced his departure, saying he believes it is the "right time" to leave.
He said: "When I first joined the cast I had no idea just how much I would enjoy being part of such an amazing team.
"I feel this is the right time for me to leave after two-and-a-half fantastic years playing a unique and brilliantly written character.
"I don't know what the future holds but I hope I will be given the opportunity to show my versatility as an actor and work on different projects."
Gazey will leave The Street in May but his character will continue to appear until July.
Bosses have refused to reveal how he will be written out.