After more than a decade on the nation's most famous cobbles, actor Daniel Brocklebank has filmed his final scenes for Coronation Street. The star, who has played the beloved vicar Billy Mayhew since 2014, has opened up about his emotional departure from the ITV soap and his plans for the future.
Farewell to Weatherfield: A Legacy of Drama and Awards
Daniel Brocklebank, 46, first arrived in Weatherfield as Billy Mayhew, initially a love interest for Sean Tully. The character's journey saw him romance Todd Grimshaw and later marry Paul Foreman, played by Peter Ash. Billy became a central figure in many major storylines, endearing himself to millions of viewers.
One of the most poignant arcs involved Billy's heart-wrenching support for husband Paul during his battle with motor neurone disease (MND), which concluded with Paul's death in 2024. The powerful performances by Brocklebank and Ash were critically acclaimed, earning them the Best Partnership award at the 2024 Inside Soap Awards and the Best Storyline honour at the Radio Times Soap Awards.
What Daniel Brocklebank Will Miss Most
Speaking exclusively about his exit, Brocklebank was quick to highlight the personal connections forged over his long tenure. "I'll miss the people," he admitted. However, he emphasised his determination to maintain the close bonds formed on set, noting that many cast members live nearby in Manchester and they plan to meet regularly.
The actor also revealed he took several sentimental items from the set as mementos. These include Billy's distinctive leather chair, now in his bedroom, and quirky artwork featuring sausage dogs. He also kept wedding photos and Polaroids from Billy and Paul's wedding, along with sashes from their stag do.
Looking Forward: From the Cobbles to the Stage
While his final scenes as Billy Mayhew are set to air on ITV in 2026, Brocklebank is not taking a break. He has immediately moved into a leading role in Young Frankenstein The Musical at Liverpool's Playhouse Theatre, where he is excited to showcase his tap-dancing skills.
Reflecting on his 11-year stint on the soap—a significant portion of his 32-year acting career—Brocklebank expressed profound gratitude. "I've loved my time at Corrie, and I will always look back on it with nothing but absolute love in my heart," he stated, fondly recalling the mix of dramatic, tragic, and humorous storylines that defined Billy's time on the cobbles.
