Coronation Street stars Gareth Pierce and Harriet Bibby have shared their sadness over the news Billy Mayhew actor Daniel Brocklebank is leaving the ITV soap next year

Two of departing Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank’s close co-stars have told The Mirror they are ‘gutted’ by the news of his exit(Image: WireImage)

Two of departing Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank’s close co-stars have told The Mirror they are “gutted” by the news he has been written out of the show.

Dan’s character Billy Mayhew will leave the ITV soap next year in a major storyline. His exit was a storyline decision by bosses, with it claimed it was not Dan’s choice to go after 11 years in the role.

After Dan shared his own reaction to the news recently, two of his co-stars spoke exclusively to The Mirror about the “sad” decision. Talking to us at the British Soap Awards 2025, Summer Spellman actress Harriet Bibby was visibly emotional when discussing the news.

Confessing she was struggling to talk about it, she revealed she was “gutted” to lose another close friend from the show. Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd Grimshaw, also shared his sadness with us after learning his friend would be leaving the show for good.

Harriet told us: “I can’t even talk about it yet because I am so gutted that I am gonna not have my friend at work. But to be perfectly honest I think I am such a blabbermouth that they’ve not trusted me with any information yet.

Harriet Bibby was visibly emotional when discussing the news(Image: WireImage)

“It’s a while away thankfully. Me as Harriet is guessing we will see more of a relationship build between Summer and Todd cos he will be the only parental of her’s left now.” Harriet went on to say she will remain in touch with Dan once he leaves the soap.

She told us: “In our personal lives we are so close. I absolutely love Dan, and no matter what happens work wise, I know he will always be in my life which is really lovely. You become knitted together. I don’t think that will change.”

Gareth then shared: “When I first found out I was so sad. I know very little about his exit but I love working with Dan again. That relationship straight away, I felt respected as a recast Todd.

“To have that integrated character and take over, it’s easy with me and Dan.” It was confirmed to the Mirror last month that Daniel was leaving the show in 2026, with the actor revealing all in a statement.

Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd Grimshaw, also shared his sadness(Image: PA)

It’s said to be an issue led new plot according to reports, and it will see him leave the show for good next year, while details are being kept under wraps for now. In a statement shared with The Mirror, Dan said: “I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life.

“I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work. I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.”

The Mirror has learned that a major storyline airing in 2026 will lead to the departure, but no details can be given at this time.