Thomson to leave Corrie

John Thomson is leaving ‘Coronation Street’, it has been announced.

The 40-year-old actor - who plays children’s entertainer Jesse Chadwick – has been axed from the ITV1 soap over rumours show bosses think his character has done “all he can” for the programme.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Everyone thinks Jesse has done all he can, so it’s time to move on.”

Thomson first appeared on the soap in 2008 at a birthday party for Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson)’s daughter Amy.

His character returned in 2009 and has since gone on to have a relationship with unlucky-in-love Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).

This news does not come at a good time for Thomson, whose partner Samantha Sharp is due to give birth to their second child in six weeks.

Last year Thomson revealed how thrilled he was to land the job on ‘Coronation Street’ – and was flattered when writers created an on-screen persona especially for him.

He said: “I love being here, and I'm happy to work. The part was written especially for me, so I'm very lucky."