Coronation Street has reassured fans that actor Liam Bairstow is not leaving the ITV soap.
There was some confusion after Liam, who plays Alex Warner, told his 19,000 followers on Twitter he would be exiting Weatherfield to focus on theatre work.
Cafe worker Alex was introduced to the cobbles in 2015 as Cathy Matthews’ nephew.
Liam, 30, tweeted earlier today: “This is it for me now for TV time. I have done all of my episodes and I am now doing stage work.”
Read more: Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn ‘set to leave’ the cobbles later this year
Promising to be back on the box “now and then” in the future, he continued: “I had the best time of my life with you and it’s time to think forward in life.”
He also noted he would “be there for everyone if you need me” and encouraged fans to call on him by tweeting.
Shocked fans wished Liam – who has Down’s Syndrome – all the best for the future.
“Gutted to see you go, Liam,” tweeted one.
Read more: EastEnders viewers convinced Sean’s accent has changed
“What an absolute star you are, extremely inspiring. I wish you all the best for your future plans, there’s no doubt you’re going to absolutely smash it 😘.”
Another added: “Good luck mate been a pleasure to watch you on our screens 👍.”
And a third remarked: “You have been great on @itvcorrie so hope we see you again. Enjoy your new ventures Liam.”
However, a spokesperson for Coronation Street told Entertainment Daily: “He has not left and is back filming with us at the end of May.”
Phew, that’s a relief!
It has recently been reported that Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker) and Faye Brooks (Kate Connor) are also set to join the number of Corrie stars believed to departing the show over the coming months.
Faye’s decision comes just two months after her on-screen fiancée Rana Habeeb, played by Bhavna Limbachia, was killed off.
But Bhavna later admitted it was her decision to have her Corrie character meet her maker.
Earlier this year, Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, announced she was leaving the soap after 13 years, and just last week Tristan Gemmill (Robert Preston) revealed he was heading off for pastures new.
Connie Hyde, who played Sally Metcalfe’s sister Gina Seddon, also departed the soap last month.
A source at Coronation Street has denied the show is in crisis, explaining: “The very nature of a long running serial drama is that actors come and go all the time.
“Producers have recently introduced the four new members of the Bailey family and Gemma’s brother Paul.”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.