Liam Connor is to meet a brutal end on Coronation Street later this year. His murder will be carried out by one of three street regulars on a revenge bid, and a whodunnit storyline will emerge after his death.

A soap source told The Mirror: “Rob actually wanted his character to be killed off - a bit like Phil Middlemiss did when he also wanted the demise of his character, bookie Des Barnes.

“But at the same time it provides us with the fantastic opportunity to give the viewers some sensational TV. The producers are rubbing their hands at the prospect of the whole murder scenario.”

They added: “People are sad to see Rob go as he is such a lovely bloke. But he was adamant that he wanted to leave.”