Les Dennis is leaving Coronation Street - and he’s not the only cast member making an exit from the soap.
Les, who plays reformed burglar Michael Rodwell, will depart the cobbles to appear in a theatre production of Alan Bleasdale’s “Down the Dock Road” at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre in the New Year.
The news comes after it was revealed Brooke Vincent - who plays Sophie Webster - and David Neilson - who plays lovable oddbod Roy Cropper - will also temporarily leave the soap to pursue other projects.
Sophie will also leave the Street, despite mum Sally's efforts to set her up with Kate
Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) is currently desperately trying to matchmake her lesbian daughter Sophie with Kate Connor (Faye Brookes) - even though Kate has a girlfriend.
And Roy's romance with Cathy (Melanie Hill) is about to hit the rocks, when Cathy discovers Roy has betrayed her.
![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - Tuesday 15 December 2015 Coronation Street - Ep 8807 Friday 1 January 2016 - 1st EP Cathy Matthews [MELANIE HILL] suggests to Roy Cropper [DAVID NEILSON] that as her New Year’s resolution, she’d like to clear the remaining rubbish out of her house. As Roy goes through Alan’s old paperwork he comes across a letter and reads it with dismay. Picture desk contact - david.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oYPAYh8L2c3y3WBnGfUu98-1200-80.jpg.webp)
The future doesn't sound bright for Roy and Cathy
Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, is also set to depart the soap for sabbatical after nearly a decade playing the factory boss.
Carla is currently engaged to Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), but about to cheat on him with Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill), we fear there will be no happy ending for Carla and Nick.
![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 24 November 2015 Coronation Street - Ep 8787 Friday 4 December 2015 - 2nd ep In front of both families Nick Tilsley [BEN PRICE] produces and engagement ring and getting down on one knee, places it on Carla Connor’s [ALISON KING] finger. Picture contact: david.crook@itv.com on 0161 952 6214 Photographer - Joseph Scanlon This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5WaQon6LP5BohDzQBv54YU-1200-80.jpg.webp)
Can there be a happy-ever-after for Carla and Nick?
And Ryan Thomas, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw, has quit the soap and will leave in the summer.
It was also recently announced that Emily Bishop actress Eileen Derbyshire has requested time off from the soap and Emily will depart on New Year’s Day to visit nephew Spider in Peru.
Outgoing Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn will make way for Emmerdale’s current boss Kate Oates in the new year, who is said to be determined to rescue the soap.
Kate reckons a return to the show’s roots will boost plummeting ratings and plans to bring back the humour and ‘leave the dark stuff to EastEnders’, reports The Mirror.
Her thoughts were revealed at a charity event by one of the show’s stars, who said “excited” Kate believes taking the soap back to its traditions is a prime target.
And that means switching the focus away from the show’s youth and back to the likes of stalwarts like Rita (Barbara Knox), Norris (Malcolm Hebden), Audrey (Sue Nicholls) and Ken Barlow (Bill Roache).
Will we be seeing more of meddlesome Norris?
Guests at the dinner event were told: “The words ‘leave the dark stuff to EastEnders’ have been used.
“She thinks there should be more of an emphasis on bringing back the old Street humour which it was famous for – and the old brigade are just brilliant at performing that.
“Obviously the young cast are doing a terrific job but we are told there is a feeling that the likes of characters like Norris have been somewhat neglected.
“It sounds like there are exciting times ahead for the show with the new boss arriving and the more mature members of the cast are aware of the new direction that is coming.”
Coronation Street, ITV.
