Keith leaves Corrie

Coronation Street star Keith Duffy is to walk out on the soap for the sake of his autistic daughter.

10:40 01 February 2005

Coronation Street star Keith Duffy is to walk out on the soap for the sake of his autistic daughter.

The former Boyzone hunk, who plays Irish charmer Ciaran McCarthy, has decided that he cannot continue to live apart from his family, who have stayed in Dublin while he was based in Manchester.

And in a further shock to fans of the ITV series, bosses have also reportedly decided to write out Danny Young's character, Warren Baldwin.

But it is 30-year-old Keith's departure that will really send shockwaves through Weatherfield, as he looks to pursue a career in Hollywood while spending more time with wife Lisa, 33, daughter Mia, four, and son Jordan, nine.

Mia is autistic and goes to a special school in Dublin, which Keith was unwilling to move her from when he got a part in the soap two and a half years ago.

"I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family, who have been incredibly supportive during my two and a half years working in Manchester," the former pop star said.

"I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given by Coronation Street. I've learned a huge amount and been given the chance to work with some fantastic people."

The decision to leave has been reported as a "mutual decision" and Keith is now planning to follow in the footsteps of actor friend Colin Farrell and get his foot on the Hollywood ladder.

"I'm very excited about the future and can't wait to get my teeth into some of the roles I've been offered," he added.

Corrie producer Tony Wood said: "Keith has been an asset to the show and will be missed by everyone who's worked with him.

"There have been various discussions about the future of his character over the past few months and, after talking with Keith, we decided that Ciaran McCarthy had run his course in the show."