'Coronation Street' Spoilers: Aidan Connor Actor Shayne Ward Confirms He's Leaving

But don't worry, he's not going anywhere just yet.

Shayne Ward has spoken out about his decision to bow out of ‘Coronation Street’.

On Thursday (30 November), various media outlets claimed that Shayne would be leaving ‘Corrie’ in 2018, three years after joining the soap as Aidan Connor, with sources claiming his exit storyline had already been planned.

A representative for Shayne has now confirmed to HuffPost UK that he will be bidding farewell to ‘Corrie’ in 2018, going on to explain his decision to quit.

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Shayne Ward on the set of 'Coronation Street'
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They told us: “Shayne will be in the soap until next summer. He has loved every minute of the last three years and made some great friends however he felt like it was time for the next adventure.”

A spokesperson for ‘Coronation Street’ declined to comment when approached by HuffPost UK.

‘Coronation Street’ marked Shayne’s first foray into television acting when he first appeared on screen in August 2015, having previously starred in a theatre production of ‘Rock Of Ages’ years on from his victory in the second series of ‘The X Factor’.

Shayne’s portrayal of Aidan Connor has gone down a treat with fans, and he previously picked up the Best Newcomer prizes at both the Inside Soap and National Television Awards.

His character has since gone on to become involved in a number of key storylines, most infamously his love triangle between Eva Price and Maria Connor.

Other big names from the ‘Corrie’ cast saying ta-ra to t’cobbles in the near future include Debbie Rush, who plays Anna Windass, and Todd Grimshaw actor Bruno Langley, following his conviction for sexual assault earlier this month.

When Soap Stars Go Pop
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Here are 12 of the soap stars who launched pop careers (to varying degrees of success)...
Martine McCutcheon ('EastEnders')
Martine might be best known for her signature tune 'Perfect Moment', but trust us when we say this 80s-inspired ballad is really where it's at.
Adam Rickitt ('Coronation Street')
YouTube
Before revealing his ambitions to become a Tory MP, Adam Rickitt made a go of it as a pop singer, releasing this single in 1999.

Listening to it with fresh ears, it's actually aged surprisingly well, although the gratuitous (but not unwelcome, let's be honest) nudity in the video smacks of late 90s, early 2000s pop.
Holly Valance ('Neighbours')
And speaking of gratuitous music video nudity.

Holly had a smash hit with 'Kiss Kiss', her debut single.

Although she's not exactly the reigning princess of pop, her latter releases 'Naughty Girl' and, in particular, 'State Of Mind' are definitely still worth a listen.
Jennifer Ellison ('Brookside')
True, she was a bit of a one-hit wonder. But what a hit it was...
Shane Ritchie ('EastEnders')
D'you know what? It was for charity, so let's just leave it there.
Natalie Imbruglia ('Neighbours')
Undeniably one of the biggest songs of the 1990s, Natalie released 'Torn' as the debut single from her first post-'Neighbours' album, 'Left Of The Middle'.

Few people will know that it's actually a cover of a track by American alternative rockers Ednaswap, who recorded their version two years before Natalie's.
Tracy Shaw ('Coronation Street')
Tracy was one of the stand-out stars of 'Coronation Street' back in the 90s, so it was a big surprise when her debut single only got to number 46 in the UK singles chart.

Never mind, eh, Trace?
Letitia Dean ('EastEnders')
Just... wow.
Sid Owen ('EastEnders')
When we watched Ricky Butcher in Albert Square, our first thoughts weren't 'what this guy needs is to release a reggae lite track IMMEDIATELY IF NOT SOONER'.

Know what though? Someone did think that. And here we are.
Kylie Minogue ('Neighbours')
Never heard of her.

(No but seriously, she's a mega-star. Of course we've heard of her. She's Kylie literal Minogue).
Anita Dobson ('EastEnders')
MORE TV STARS RELEASING LOVE SONG INTERPRETATIONS OF THEIR SHOW'S THEME SONG, PLEASE.

Why this wasn't wheeled out repeatedly during the 30th anniversary spectacular in 2015, we have no idea.