Craig Charles on why he quit Coronation Street: ‘Producers got too dark’

Ahead of his final appearance in Coronation Street's live episode, Craig Charles has opened up about clashing with the soap’s producers

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by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Craig Charles will make his final appearance in Coronation Street on 23rd September, during the live episode.

But, while viewers are hoping that his character, Lloyd, will leave with Andrea (Hayley Tamaddon) for a happy ending, it seems as if the actor is leaving on something of a sour note.

Speaking candidly with the Sunday Express, Craig explained that he had decided to quit the show after feeling that the producers had gotten too obsessed with ‘dark and depressing’ storylines.

He said: “Viewers said they loved Lloyd and Steve's comedy act, especially when they were in the cab office.

“We get on so well in real life and we make each other laugh, so we thought we could develop the double act on the show."

Craig went on to explain that he and Simon wanted to be the "new Stan Ogden and Eddie Yeats", referencing Corrie’s ultimate double act, played by Bernard Youens and Geoffrey Hughes back in the 70s and 80s.

The former Red Dwarf star added: “We never really felt that the producers were behind us.

"Instead, Lloyd and Steve were dealing with all the serious stuff. I think the show missed a chance to make people smile."

During this week’s special anniversary episodes, viewers will watch as a warring Steve and Lloyd are locked in the cellar by Andrea and Michelle (Kym Marsh).

Will a drink or two help them to sort through their differences - or might it loosen their tongues and allow for some home truths?

Either way, Lloyd and Andrea are departing but it remains to be seen if it’s with smiles on their faces or under a cloud.

Fingers crossed for a happy ever after, eh?

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