CORONATION Street star Sean Wilson has been spotted looking downcast after being seen for the first time since his soap axing.
Earlier this year, the actor delighted fans when he announced he was returning to the cobbles as part of Helen Worth’s exit as Gail Platt.
However, The Sun later revealed how Sean was called into a meeting with ITV execs last month and abruptly axed.
Soap bosses declined to give any explanation, insisting that the 59-year-old had “stepped down for personal reasons”.
Now, Sean has been sighted strolling along with a green jacket on and trilby hat, for the first time since his show axing was revealed.
The actor donned a grey hat and stylish shades, and partnered his autumn look with jeans and brown shoes.
The 59-year-old kept a low profile as he walked beside his girlfriend Carol Hammond, and they were spotted just metres away from the Coronation Street set.
The soap star clutched a piece of artwork under his arm as he walked along Blue – a street in MediaCity that would provide the star with a perfect view of the 7.7 acre Corrie set.
A source previously told us: “A lot of people at Corrie didn’t know Sean had gone.
“Whatever it is, lawyers are involved because very senior soap bosses are not allowed to discuss it.”
And Sean has since broke his silence – as he took to social media to thank fans for their support.
Sharing a snap of a light-up ‘love’ sign, he said: “Thanks for all the love xxx.”
Fans flooded him with support, with one replying: “Absolutely gutted that Martin will not be coming back for Gail’s leaving story. I do hope you’re okay Sean and wish you all the very best.”
A second wrote: “Mate! I’m gutted. So disappointed. Hope you’re ok my friend.”
“Gail deserves a better ending than the one she’s going to get now,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “I think pretty much everyone who liked your character is disappointed at the outcome but as long as you’re OK then that’s all that matters.”
Sean left his role as Martin Platt in Coronation Street in 2005 and later retrained as a chef.
He briefly reprised his role in 2018 as Martin said goodbye to his son David and relocated to New Zealand.
None of his scenes with Gail, played by Helen Worth, 73, will be screened, plunging the show into crisis as the actress’ departure after 50 years will now have to be hastily rewritten.
It is also a major blow to Helen, who was understood to have been thrilled with the decision to bring back her character’s former husband Martin.
A source said: “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.
“Clearly it’s a major blow for bosses who must now find a new magical and happy ending for Helen – but they are confident they’ll pull it out of the bag, and give viewers something wonderful.”
