Rupert Hill to leave 'Coronation Street'

Coronation Street actor Rupert Hill is to is to bow out of the ITV soap at the end of his current contract, Digital Spy can confirm.

The 27-year-old actor, who plays Jamie Baldwin in the Manchester-based soap, is said to be leaving in order to pursue other acting opportunities.

A spokesperson for the soap today told DS: "Rupert has indicated to the producers that he intends to leave the show at the end of his current contract but the length of this contract means that he will remain with the show until about this time next year."

Back in February, programme makers Granada denied a tabloid article which claimed that co-star and rumoured off-screen love interest Jenny Platt had also quit.

The news of his departure comes only a week after the shock announcement that Tina O'Brien will leave the show at Christmas.

Bradley Walsh, meanwhile, will return to Weatherfield as former-factory boss Danny Baldwin toward the end of the year.