Devastated Coronation Street fans have launched a petition to reinstate actor Bruno Langley, who bosses confirmed was no longer contracted to the soap following an allegation of sexual assault against him.
Bruno has played popular character Todd Grimshaw on and off since 2001 and fans are not happy about how he’s apparently been written out.
Read more: Coronation Street’s Bruno Langley ‘fired’ after sexual assault claims
One fan called Karen Cochrane has gone as far as starting a petition on Change.org to get Bruno his job back and so far it has over 1200 signatures.
Karen wrote: “He is a fabulous actor and a major part of Corrie, and it won’t be the same without him, so please please give him his job back!”
ED! fans have also voiced their support for the 34-year-old actor after we revealed yesterday that his contract with ITV was no longer in place, and he would only be on screens for the next few weeks.
Corrie fans on our Facebook page questioned the decision to let Bruno go before any charges had been brought against him.
Suzanne Hardie commented: “A good actor & not given the chance to prove his innocence, you are going to lose so many viewers Corrie, unreal, wrong move, wish you all best Bruno x”
Kim Webb added: “Why sack him if the investigation is ongoing he’s not been proved guilty yet, surely suspension is more appropriate. If he’s found innocent I hope he takes them for unfair dismissal.”
Claire Roney wrote: “Wrong on so many levels. He has not been found guilty, he should be suspended until such times.
“And if he has done it then he should be punished but if he hasn’t this woman has ruined his career and life cause mud sticks, there are thousands of genuine cases every week in the world but I have also read a lot of times that folk have made it up. Innocent until proven otherwise shame on corrie.”
Bruno’s contract has ended with immediate effect and the show is now trying to scrabble together to explain his sudden departure.
A source told The Sun: “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.
Read more: Corrie’s Bruno Langley releases statement following ‘sacking’
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 spoke out about the incident, which he strongly denies, thanking fans and cast for their support.
He said: “I’d like to thank all of my friends who work on the show for their love, friendship and support during this extremely difficult period.”