Barman Vernon leads exodus as Corrie clear out 'a dozen top characters'

Some of Weatherfield's best-loved characters will leave the famous cobbles in a series of moves that mark the arrival of new chief Kim Crowther, according to the Daily Mirror.

The first to leave the popular soap will be the former barman of the Rovers, Vernon Tomlin, played by actor Ian Reddington.

Exit: Liam Connor (Rob-James Collier) and Vernon Tomlin (Ian Reddington)

He will leave when his ageing musician character realises his dream of winning a recording contract and moves to London.

Hot on his heels will be gay character Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) who departs Weatherfield after being ditched by lover Sean Tully (Antony Cotton).

Going: Actors Matthew Crompton (Dan Mason, left) and Jack Ellis (Harry Mason)

Another partnership facing the chop are father and son bookmakers Harry and Dan Mason, played by actors Jack Ellis and Matthew Crompton. The pair will make their exits along with popular heartthrob actor Rob James-Collier, whose character Liam Connor will be dramatically killed off in a murder mystery storyline.

Corrie bosses are also pulling the plug on the Morton family. Head of the family, heart-attack victim Jerry (Michael Starke) decides to sell his kebab shop and move the whole family to Spain for a stress-free life.

To complete the lengthy list, Policewoman Abi Sharpe, played by actress Rachael Elizabeth, quits after being viciously beaten up by a gang of female thugs.

Street bosses are expected to combat the massive clear-out with the arrival of a number of fresh faces set to appear in the coming months.