It’s time to say goodbye to Coronation Street star Todd Boyce and, while fans might be delighted to see serial killer Stephen Reid get his comeuppance, it’s a sad time for the Corrie cast as they send off their much loved co-star.
After just over a year back in the show, Todd has enjoyed a night out with friends and colleagues to mark his leaving.
With the controversial character looking set to depart in a highly dramatic October storyline, to coincide with ITV’s Super Soap Week, it’s a double-edged sword for the show.
But his friends weren’t letting him go without a party, as they were spotted together recently.
And the actors repped very well, with even rarely seen in public Helen Worth (the iconic Gail Platt) making it to the do.
Todd gave a thumbs up to cameras as he clearly enjoyed his night out, and stars attending included Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Tina O’Brien (Sarah Platt) and Paula Wilcox (Elaine Jones), all who have been central to the explosive plotline.
Among the others joining the gang were Mollie Gallagher (Nina Lucas), Julia Goulding (Shona Platt) and Colson Smith (Craig Tinker).
Arriving in the daytime, everyone were still enjoying themselves as night fell, clearly very fond of both Todd and a brilliant night out.
Having a much less favourable time is Stephen himself, as his many murders finally come to light.
Things continue to fall apart for Stephen in the coming weeks, as the remains of Leo’s body will be found on the building site Ed (Trevor Michael Georges) and Ronnie (Vinta Morgan) recently acquired.
Scenes have also been filmed at a canal, with police and Corrie locals gathering to see another horrifying find pulled out. It comes as Tim tracks shifty Stephen to the canal, where viewers know he concealed Teddy’s body.
‘We are going to see him start taking risks,’ Todd Boyce told us. ‘As he gets more desperate, his life is starting to unravel and it is going to be interesting to see how he deals with the pressure
‘He is bound to start making mistakes and that could be his undoing.’
Pictures also showed Todd filming at an airport, but will Stephen make his getaway and escape justice – or will he be caught?
And might another life be lost in the chaos?
The character took over the role as Weatherfield villain last September, after murdering Leo Thompkins.
Since then, Stephen has gone on to kill Leo’s dad Teddy, and a businessman called Rufus.
In other atrocities, he planned to kill wife Elaine by poisoning her, and also drove Carla to despair after repeatedly drugging her with LSD.
That’s a lot of stuff to face the consequences for, and fans can expect it all to play out over the next months.
