Two Corrie Actors Take Four Month Break

The ITV Granada soap opera is to see two popular characters leave the street while the actors behind the faces take a break from the five-episode-a-week saga.

Alison King and Chris Gascoyne are taking a four-month break from Coronation Street.

Their departure from Corrie this summer ties in with the on-going custody battle for Simon. Peter, played by Chris, is currently fighting his ex Leanne (Jane Danson) for custody of his son, Simon.

The official ITV website for the long running serial announced that the actors are taking the break but will be back on screen with further storylines later in the year. Alison King recently won Best Actress at this year’s British Soap Awards.

The character of Peter Barlow has been played by a number of actors over the years, with Gascoyne first appearing as the son of legendary Ken Barlow – William Roache – in 2000. Carla arrived in Weatherfield back in 2006. The factory boss role was her second appearance in the Manchester-based production, having previously appeared in 2004 as a different character.