Graeme Hawley: 'Corrie could have ruined my career'

Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has admitted that playing John Stape any longer could have "ruined" his career.

The actor, who has quit his role as the hapless murderer after four years, confessed that he left the show because he feared a viewer backlash due to John's actions.

Hawley told the News of the World: "I had an affair with a schoolgirl, kidnapped her, buried a colleague, killed an old lady and murdered a friend. I loved the part but you would worry it was going too far - I think if I had stayed much longer it could have ruined my career.

"I feared the backlash of playing a murderer. Once the viewers start to hate a character then that's it, you don't get another job. I'm pleased I left while people still felt sorry for John. It could have been horrendous if they hadn't. I tried to keep the role funny but in another six months viewers would have been fed up with him.

"I just hope it won't affect me long-term. I'm still not sure how it will work out for me. I would like to do some comedy and drama. But I need to work - if that means going back to labouring then fine. I am going to miss everybody at Corrie but mostly I'll miss John - part of me loved him."

He added that he was terrified while filming upcoming stunts for the soap, which see his character jump off a hospital roof.

> John Stape's Corrie crime uncovered: In pictures
> Corrie's explosive week: Q&A with Graeme Hawley
> Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz, chats to Digital Spy about the storyline
> Corrie's explosive week: Full roundup guide