Craig Charles quits Coronation Street to return to Red Dwarf

We’ve already reported that Andrea (Hayley Tamaddon) is leaving Coronation Street later this year and now it looks like Lloyd may be going with her.

Craig Charles, who plays cab company owner Lloyd, has announced that he is leaving Corrie after 10 years to return to the sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, which is making a comeback on our screens next year.

“I have had an absolutely fantastic ten years on Coronation Street and I will be very sad to leave,” Craig said in a statement, reports the Mirror.

“Lloyd has become a huge part of my life and I have made some amazing friends with whom I will always keep in touch.

“But I feel I owe it to my colleagues on Red Dwarf to join them in film the new series and finding out what is in for [his character] Lister and the others.”

It doesn’t sound as if Lloyd will be killed off, as Craig also said: “I would love to return to Coronation Street at some point in the future.”

And there’s no word yet on whether Lloyd’s departure will be linked to that of his lover, Andrea, who leaves the Street during the show’s live episode to mark its 60th anniversary.

But we have a feeling Andrea will be the reason Lloyd leaves… He’ll either go with her, or because of her.

Coronation Street continues on ITV, Monday, May 4, 7.30pm.