Daniel Brocklebank, best known for his portrayal of vicar Billy Mayhew on Coronation Street, has shocked fans by debuting a clean-shaven look for the first time in a decade. The 46-year-old actor, who left the ITV soap in January after more than 11 years, shared his new appearance on social media ahead of his next theatrical role.
Brocklebank is set to appear in 'Double Double' at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: 'First time clean shaven in over 10 years ready to start the next job. Yay or nay?? I can’t decide….' The post prompted an outpouring of support from former co-stars, with Sue Devaney commenting 'You look nineteen!' and Tony Maudsley adding 'It's a YAY from me!! You're like Benjamin Button, dear!!'
Brocklebank's departure from Coronation Street came during a Corriedale crossover episode in January, in which his character Billy Mayhew died after a car crash. The storyline followed the emotional death of Billy's onscreen husband Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) from motor neurone disease in 2024. The duo won Best Partnership at the Inside Soap Awards and Best Storyline at the Radio Times Soap Awards for their portrayal of the disease.
Since leaving the soap, Brocklebank has remained busy, recently starring in 'Young Frankenstein The Musical' at the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre. Reflecting on his time on the cobbles, he told the Liverpool Echo: 'I've got 11 years worth of memories... I will always look back on it with nothing but absolute love in my heart.'
