Coronation Street legend confirms they have left after 20 years – with only two episodes remaining

DQ2 weeks ago

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Screenwriter Jonathan Harvey smiling at the Writers' Guild Of Great Britain Awards 2020

Jonathan has departed the cobbles (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Award-winning Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey has confirmed he has left the ITV soap after two decades.

During his stint on the show, which began in 2004, he’s penned 331 episodes – with the penultimate one due to air tonight.

The episode will see Leanne (Jane Danson) confront fiancée Nick (Ben Price) over his affair with her sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor), whilst Betsy (Sydney Martin) questions her mum Lisa (Vicky Myers) over her growing friendship with Carla (Alison King).

Elsewhere, Kit (Jacob Roberts) makes a promise to brother Paul (Peter Ash) to spend as much time as possible with him before he passes away. Billy (Daniel Brocklebank) heads on a night out with the lads.

There’s also a big decision for Ken (William Roache) when makes plans for his future with carer Cassie (Claire Sweeney).

Kit Green tries to help Paul Foreman, who is in his chair struggling to breathe in Coronation Street — Kit makes a promise to spend more time with his brother (Picture: ITV)

Confirming the news on X, he wrote: ‘I took a step back from writing Corrie back in April. After 20 years I wanted a break!’

‘The way the show works means I still have 2 episodes to air. Penultimate one is tonight and I’m v proud of it. Billy has a night out with the lads and Leanne, Toyah and Nick battle things out.’

One fan replied: ‘One of the most talented writers on that team you’ll be missed by all Corrie fans your episodes are always a highlight enjoy your break!’

‘Please hurry back. I always get a nice little lift when I see your name at the beginning of an episode!!’ added another.

Kathy Burke and James Dreyfuss as Linda and Tom in Gimme Gimme Gimme for Comic Relief

One of his most famous works is Kathy Burke vehicle Gimme Gimme Gimme (Picture: Caroline Mardon/Comic Relief/Getty Images)

The cast of Beautiful Thing; Oliver Farnworth, Jake Davies, Suranne Jones, Zaraah Abrahams, author Jonathan Harvey, Danny-Boy Hatchard and director Nikolai Foster in 2013

The 2013 production of Beautiful Thing also starred a number of soapstars; Oliver Farnworth, Suranne Jones, Zaraah Abrahams and Danny-Boy Hatchard (Picture: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)

Harvey started his career as a secondary school teacher, before branching off as a playwright in 1987.

One of his most famous pieces is Beautiful Thing, a story following two gay teenagers that live next-door to each other on a council estate in Thamesmead, London.

It was later adapted for screen in 1996, with future soapstars Linda Henry and Tameka Empson taking on lead roles many years before appearing as Shirley Carter and Kim Fox in EastEnders.

He found later success with BBC sitcoms Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Beautiful People, which also starred Empson.

After Granada Television invited him to join the Coronation Street team, he was initially reluctant – but went onto guide Todd Grimshaw’s coming-out story before becoming part of the regular pool of writers.

He also wrote Corrie! which toured the UK throughout 2010-11 to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations. Later, he was the genius behind online spin-off series Ken and Deirdre’s Bedtime Stories.