ITV bosses have confirmed that actor Bruno Langley, who plays Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street, has been axed from the soap following allegations of sexual assault, reports The Sun.
Bruno, who has played Todd on and off since 2001, has had his contract terminated with immediate effect and the show is now trying to scrabble together to explain his sudden departure.
Read more: Coronation Street star to be investigated by police over inappropriate behaviour
A source told the paper: “Crew were heard discussing using a body double.
“New scenes show Adam Barlow telling Ken that Todd has left Weatherfield with his young ward Summer.”
The insider went on to say: “It caused shockwaves.”
A spokesman for the soap confirmed: “Bruno Langley is no longer contracted to Coronation Street.”
Bruno has been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a woman in her 30s who was at a Manchester Nightclub called Band on the Wall when the alleged incident happened.
He was believed to be with his now ex-cast mates who had gone to see former Corrie actor, Craig Charles, perform a DJ set at the club.
Bruno denies the claims which came to light last week when The Sun alleged that ITV had launched an internal investigation after the woman filed an official complaint the day after she claims the alleged assault occurred.
It was then confirmed by Greater Manchester Police that they are investigating an alleged incident which took place at Manchester’s Band on the Wall nightclub.
Earlier in the night he posed for an Instagram photo at nearby Mahiki, dressed in a smart suit and tie.
The woman at the centre of the investigation claims Bruno “acted inappropriately” later on in the evening, once the party had moved on to Band on the Wall.
It’s expected that police officers will now review CCTV footage and interview witnesses.
Read more: Coronation Street’s Bruno Langley spotted leaving NTAs with reality star
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police commented: “At around 1am on Sunday, 1st October 2017, police received a report a woman in her 30s had been sexually assaulted at an entertainment venue. Inquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.”
ITV were unable to provide comment at this stage, although an unnamed source who spoke to The Sun claims that Bruno “strongly denies” all allegations.