Coronation Street‘s Paddy Bever, who portrays Max Turner, has decided to leave the soap to pursue new acting opportunities. The actor, 22, has already completed filming his last scenes.
The show’s producers have been preparing for his departure since March, crafting an exit storyline that coincides with significant upheaval for the Platt family – set to air in early spring.
Speaking to the Mirror, Bever discussed his decision: “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.”
The young star, who clinched the rising star award at the National Television Awards in 2022, shared his gratitude towards the showrunners for the opportunity to portray Max’s intricate narrative, a role he took over in 2021 from Harry McDermott on the ITV soap.
“It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show,” he remarked. “This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.”
Max, the biological son of David Platt’s first wife Kylie, made his first appearance on Corrie in 2010. After being initially sold by Kylie for £20,000 to her sister Becky McDonald (played by Katherine Kelly), he spent time in foster care before Kylie fought to regain custody.
Kylie later tied the knot with David, who became a solid father figure for Max. Since Kylie’s tragic death in 2016, Max has been brought up by David and his second wife Shona, played by Julia Goulding.
Max, who suffers from ADHD, was expelled from school and fell into the clutches of a far-right group, leading to a stint in a youth detention centre. However, he has since turned his life around and is currently dating Lauren Bolton.
His departure is expected to revolve around a massive fire at No. 8, the Platt family home since 1991. The house will be engulfed in flames just weeks after matriarch Gail left for a new life in France with her husband Jesse, portrayed by John Thomson. Paddy’s exit follows a string of other departures from the cast, some voluntary and others written out.
However, show bosses have dismissed any talk of a crisis, citing the natural “ebb and flow” of characters in Weatherfield. Many of those departing, including Sue Cleaver after a quarter of a century and Shelley King after 11 years, gave producers plenty of notice to weave their exits into the storyline.
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Paddy informed the bosses 10 months ago that he would leave at the end of his current contract. A source revealed: “He finished filming at the end of 2024 and will exit as part of a huge upcoming storyline for the Platt family. Everyone at Corrie loves Paddy and we wish him every success for the future.”
Speaking about the latest departures from Coronation Street, a spokesperson commented: “This is not a surprise or a shock and is all part of the ebb and flow of characters from the show. We have many new characters joining in the coming weeks and months – and also some returning characters.”
The cast members set to exit include Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley) and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster), who will remain on screen until 2026. Furthermore, Colson Smith, known for his role as Craig Tinker, will depart as his contract was not extended, along with Luca Toolan who played Mason Radcliffe and whose character was recently killed off.
New producer Kate Brooks, who took over in November after a six-year stint at Emmerdale, has hinted at big changes coming in 2025, noting: “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves.”
With an average viewership of 4.4 million per episode through 2024, Coronation Street continues to be the most-watched soap on British TV.
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