As everybody knows by now, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) isn’t long for Weatherfield, with the kind hearted Vicar set to leave Coronation Street in the very near future, with his final scenes already shot and in the can.

Actor Daniel is on to a new project, starring in Young Frankenstein at the Liverpool Playhouse for a limited run over the Christmas period, and he took to Instagram to share a sweet snap after a number of his former Corrie co-stars came to watch him tread the boards.

Catherine Tyldesley (Eva Price), Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby), Tony Maudsley (George Shuttleworth) and Jodie Prenger (Glenda Shuttleworth) among other friends, smiled brightly alongside Daniel in the photo.

‘So gorgeous to have some of the Corrie family come to see Young Frankenstein tonight. Always fills my heart with joy seeing this lot’ he captioned the image.

‘Best night ever!!! Such a brilliant show. And you my dear were OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!! Where have you been hiding those tap shoes all these years?’ Tony commented, while Catherine added: ‘Outstanding! You were phenomenal my love!! Huge congratulations babba!’

A fan posted: ‘So nice to see the Corrie gang supporting you’, while another added: ‘the most beautiful people!!’

Billy is leaving Corrie

Upon the announcement of his departure back in May, Daniel said: ‘‘I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life. I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not look forward to going into work. I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.’

Corrie producer, Kate Brooks said: ‘Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit. We’re incredibly sad to bid farewell to Dan, who has been fantastic in some of Corrie’s biggest storylines over the past few years, most notably Paul’s MND.

‘An actor of immeasurable talent and skill, and an absolute treasure behind the scenes – he will be missed by all of us on the cobbles.’

Daniel took to Instagram upon finishing filming his final scene. Posting a selfie taken alongside an image of Coronation Street legend, Ena Sharples (Violet Carson), he shared his thoughts upon his time on the cobbles coming to an end.

‘That’s it. Last scene filmed. Bye bye @coronationstreet. Bye bye Billy.
The last 11 years have gone by in a blink.

‘I’ve adored every moment of being part of this special family. I can’t thank @itv and all at Corrie enough. It’s been a ride. I adore you all.’

Will Theo kill Billy?

The rumour mill immediately went into overdrive that Billy would die, when a source told the Sun that Billy was set to meet his maker: ‘There aren’t any plans to bring him back onto the soap so it makes sense to make his exit the most impactful and explosive it can be. Corrie bosses are busy plotting how to kill off Billy’.