Coronation Street fans break down in tears as beloved character quits after 23 years
CORONATION Street fans are in tears after Peter Barlow quit the cobbles after 23 years.
The taxi driver – who is played by actor Chris Gascoyne in the ITV soap – has been struggling to cope since killing serial killer Stephen Reid.
In last night’s episode it was revealed his wife Carla had bought him a one way ticket to Spain so Peter could join his pal on a round-the-world sailing trip.
But it would mean the end of their relationship – at least for now.
At first Peter was devastated but after a long chat realised being away from Weatherfield, even at the cost of not being with his wife anymore, was worth it.
He said an emotional goodbye to Carla and his family – but not his son Simon – and left on a tram.
The scenes had fans in tears.
One wrote: “Peter Barlow you’ve broken my heart.”
A second said: “Goodbye Peter Barlow, Chris Gascoyne will be missed in @itvcorrie.”
Another added: “Goodbye Peter Barlow,” with a crying and heartbroken emoji.
Actor Chris first joined Corrie in 2000 – making his debut during the live episode for the 40th anniversary – before quitting in 2003.
He made a return in 2007 and then left again in 2014.
Actor Chris rejoined the soap in 2016 and has played Peter ever since.
Chris is the seventh actor to play Ken Barlow’s eldest son.
John Heannau played him from 1965–1970, before Chris Dormer took over for a year, before Mark Duncan took over a year later in 1971.
Ken Barlow actor William Roache’s real-life son Linus Roache then joined the soap as Peter in 1973 for two years, before Joseph McKenner made his debut in 1977 for a year.
David Lonsdale then briefly played Peter in 1986 and Chris finally took over the role in 2000.
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Chris isn’t the only Barlow exiting the soap as The Sun exclusively revealed how his on-screen son Alex Bain has also quit.
The Simon Barlow actor will leave in an explosive storyline in the summer.