In a plot twist nobody saw coming, former Coronation Street stalwart Chris Gascoyne has traded in the dramatic storylines of Weatherfield for the calming world of holistic therapy. The actor, who became a household name playing the troubled Peter Barlow for over two decades, has embarked on a surprising and entirely new career path.
Gascoyne, 55, bid an emotional farewell to the ITV soap in 2023 after a monumental 23-year run. But instead of seeking out new acting roles, he has chosen a life of quiet service, retraining as a massage therapist.
A New Beginning Off-Screen
The actor's radical career move came to light through his profile on a holistic treatment website, which lists his new professional services. It appears Gascoyne is offering his skills to clients in and around Manchester, a far cry from his former life in the spotlight.
This revelation has certainly given Coronation Street fans more to talk about than any fictional storyline. The image of Peter Barlow, known for his love of a stiff drink and turbulent relationships, now practising calming therapies is a jarring yet heart-warming contrast.
Why The Dramatic Shift?
While Gascoyne hasn't publicly stated his reasons for leaving the cobbles, his departure was officially framed as a break for the character. However, this new venture suggests a more permanent and profound change was afoot.
His final scenes, which saw Peter driving away from Weatherfield after a heartfelt chat with his on-screen father Ken Barlow (William Roache), now carry a deeper, meta-significance. It was truly the end of an era, both for the character and for the actor portraying him.
This move from the high-pressure world of television to a vocation focused on well-being and health is a powerful testament to seeking personal fulfilment after years in a demanding industry. Chris Gascoyne hasn't just left a soap; he's started a whole new chapter.
