UPDATED: Corrie’s Simon Gregson forced to withdraw from filming due to illness

Coronation Street storylines have been thrown into chaos after Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, was struck down by a mystery illness.

Gregson, 40, has withdrawn from filming while awaiting hospital test results. An unnamed source told The Sun that the actor isn’t expected back on set “any time soon”.

“It’s a frightening time for him. He’s felt under the weather for a while, but it’s recently got worse.” – Coronation Street source

On-screen Steve is currently showing signs of depression, a storyline that was due to be expanded upon in the New Year. The show’s scriptwriters are currently altering the storyline to explain his absence from the cobbles.

The father of two, a regular on the street since 1989, felt unwell while travelling home from a family day out last month. He went to the studios to film, but became too ill.

“The most important thing is Steve’s health. He’s a great guy and gives everyone a lift on set. It’s a shock that he has had to pull out, especially when his character is so heavily involved in the storyline.” – the source added

A Coronation Street spokeswoman told ATV Today “We never discuss health matters”.

Update: Contrary to this morning’s reports, Simon tweeted at 12.43pm GMT that he is feeling better and will be returning to work on Monday.