James Burrows quit Coronation Street because he wants to “explore a variety of characters”.
The cobbles star is to bow out of Weatherfield after two years on the ITV soap as Ali Neeson, and while he is grateful for the part, he wants to portray “different roles”.
He told Digital Spy: “As an actor that sort of character is great to play and I got to work with some amazing actors.
“But I came into acting to play different roles and explore a variety of characters so the time has come for me to move on.”
Read more: Coronation Street reunion for Shona and Clayton on her return
James has enjoyed a “great” time playing such a “flawed character” in doctor Ali, but believes his alter ego is a “good guy”.
He said: “I’ve had a fantastic few years on Coronation street, Ali is such a flawed character and so much has happened to him.
“To play such a complex character with so many flaws has been great. At the heart of it, though he was a good guy, he wanted to settle down and have a family but his upbringing and family history really meant that he had a lot of issues.”
Ali will collapse next week after his arch nemesis Gary Windass (Mikey North) poisons him with diazepam.
Ali later takes his ex and Gary’
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