Long-time 'Coronation Street' star set to leave next year

One of the stars of 'Coronation Street' is to leave the soap next year to spend more time with his family.

Chris Gascoyne, who plays alcoholic Peter Barlow in the popular soap, is set to leave 'Coronation Street'.

The 45-year-old actor - who is married to actress and writer Caroline Harding with whom he has daughter Belle and fathers his wife's two sons from a previous relationship, Freddie and Pip, will leave next year to spend more time with his family.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Chris has had a great run on Corrie but is knackered from the demands the long hours have put on him and his family.

"He wants some time away from the show to spend with his family and to try other roles. He has talked about taking at least two years away from the show."

Producers are going to keep his character alive so he is able to make a comeback in the future.

The source explained: "His departure will be a big blow as Peter Barlow is a major character and one of the show's few alpha males.

"But Chris has told bosses he is keen to come back in the future and they are leaving the door open for him."

Peter is engaged to factory boss Carla Connor (Alison King) but has an upcoming affair with beautiful bar maid Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) who has been embroiled in an on/off relationship with Tommy Duckworth (Chris Fountain) before his explosive departure.