Ex-Coronation Street star Sean Wilson has finally spoken out following

his unexpected departure from the ITV soap, having left abruptly after

briefly returned to the beloved Manchester set. The 59 year old actor, known

for his iconic role as Martin Platt, recently made a comeback for Helen Worth’s dramatic exit plot as Gail Platt. His return was short-lived though; after a swift call-in with the top brass, Sean mysteriously vanished from the set, leaving not only viewers but also his fellow cast members in the dark about his sudden leave.

Turning to social media, Sean shared an emotive tweet in early September that read: “Thanks for all the love xxx”, paired with a snapshot showcasing a bright “LOVE” installation. The scenes that he was filming were expected to be aired over autumn.

Sean, who last appeared in the soap in 2018, was going to be part of Gail’s final storyline, but now he is no longer appearing, and those scenes will have to be rewritten. A source told The Sun: “It has come as a complete and utter shock to everyone – and his ­sudden exit has rocked everyone involved with Corrie. Sean was loving his time on the show, and he was very popular on set.

“He had filmed scenes with loads of the cast, but then suddenly he was summoned to head office, and later it filtered out he wouldn’t be returning or his scenes airing, but no explanation offered.” An ITV spokesperson told OK! at the time: “Sean Wilson has stepped down from filming for personal reasons.” OK! has contacted Sean’s representative for comment.

Earlier this month, Sean was spott d for the first time since his mysterious exit. The actor was seen walking alongside his long term girlfriend Carol Hammond in Media City, just a few hundred yards from the Coronation Street studios in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Sean Wilson played Martin Platt – the husband of Gail – from 1985 until 2005 with a brief return in 2018

Sean played Martin between 1985 and 2005, as well as during a brief return in 2018, and he was expected to be filming scenes for the departure of Martin’s ex-wife Gail Platt (Helen Worth). Instead, comedian John Thomson will be returning to the cobbles as Jesse Chadwick, who will be playing a large role in Gail leaving Weatherfield.

A source said of John’s return to The Sun: “It’s been an absolutely frantic, incredibly stressful past couple of weeks for Corrie bosses and scriptwriters. So many new departure storylines for Gail were mooted but they were set on a love interest one – which proved tricky as she buried five of her six ex-husbands. And the remaining living one, Martin, was obviously axed in real life.

“They wanted a recognisable name and plumped for John as his character was popular with viewers and a real blast from the past.”