Departing Coronation Street star Paddy Bever has shared a behind the scenes look at filming scenes for Lauren Bolton’s (Cait Fitton) trial – and it may well have confirmed how the popular character will leave.
The Max Turner actor, 22, has quit the ITV soap before after three years in the role.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way,’ he said in a statement.
He added to The Daily Mirror: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
Since Paddy’s introduction, Max has been involved in some huge storylines – including being groomed into a far right extremist gang.
More recently he was almost strangled to death by Joel Deering (Calum Lill), though girlfriend Lauren jumped to his defence in the nick of time and smashed the sinister solicitor’s head with a rock.
The pair then disposed of his body in a river, and the court case is taking place this week.
Unfortunately for Lauren, the trial isn’t going as she wished. Her cellmate Brie (Jessica Ellis) had been paid by Joel’s dad Gus (Chris Garning) to pretend that she had attacked her, therefore painting her as a violent person.
Gus and his wife Anthea (Carol Royle) are desperate to take custody of her infant son Frankie, who was born after Joel subjected her to months of abuse.
Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) jumped in at the eleventh hour and pointed out that Gus’ drastic action to ensure the jury found Lauren guilty must’ve been stemmed from his belief that she is innocent.
Paddy shared a snap to his Instagram of him holding a black Labrador puppy, writing: ‘We had a little visitor for court scenes’, before naming the dog as Betsy.
Could this be a clue that Max will face court again prior to Paddy’s exit?
Or could it be that the picture was taken during filming for the current court scenes?
It’s also very possible that the character could perish in the house fire scenes that are due to air in coming weeks.
Coronation Street cast exits - who is going?
Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster
Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.
A source told Metro: 'It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.
‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’
Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw
Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.
She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.'
Colson Smith as Craig Tinker
After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.
He said: 'I've loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street.
'I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning.
'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!'
Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley
After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.
She said in a statement: 'My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish.
'After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.
'It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.'
Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe
After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles - and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.
Metro understands that she won't be killed off.
A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Paddy Bever as Max Turner
With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.
Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
Metro previously revealed how a major fire was being filmed, with pictures showing the Platt house ablaze.
Producer Kate Brooks teased the exciting plot line, telling us: ‘The story we’re telling is one of a very desperate David, trying to protect his family and keep Harvey and his goons at bay.
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‘He is struggling to navigate that, and struggling to pay back this big debt he has.
‘It all comes to a massive head in early February, when we play a massive stunt that has huge consequences for David.
‘So, in trying to protect everyone and do the right thing, he ends up losing quite a few things that he holds dear.’
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Could that be Max?
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