Coronation Street writers have had to hurriedly edit scripts and craft an exit storyline for Todd Grimshaw, after actor Bruno Langley was sacked.
The soap star was let go after accusations of sexual assault in a Manchester bar surfaced – he has subsequently pleaded guilty to two charges brought in court.
He was ordered to serve a 12-month community order and was placed on the sex offender register.
With the actor missing from Todd’s exit plot, the scribes have had to get extra creative.
According to the Sunday People, Eileen’s son will leave in disgraced circumstances – art imitating life.
Viewers will have to wait until the New Year to discover his fate, when other characters will be seen discussing his departure.
They will reportedly explain that Todd has gone on the run after assaulting a police officer during an altercation about foster daughter Summer.
When the teen’s grandmother tries to get custody of her, he hits a cop trying to intervene.
A Sunday People source explained: “Coronation Street wanted to address the Bruno issue as soon as possible and completely draw a line under the matter.
“There’s been a strange atmosphere on set. Bruno has been a part of the show for ten years so his co-stars were shocked by what has come out about his behaviour.
“People were torn backstage when it was revealed he was being investigated.
“Some felt that the stigma of something like this would be devastating if it turned out not to be true.
“But now he’s admitted it there’s a sense of disbelief.”