The actor first appeared on the cobbles earlier this year as Institute mentor Rowan Cunliffe

Coronation Street star Emrhys Cooper has been flooded with messages from his co-stars as he confirmed his official soap exit. The actor first appeared on the cobbles earlier this year as Institute mentor Rowan Cunliffe.

The character first appeared when Leanne Battersby accompanied Simon Barlow to one of his seminars at the Chariot Square Hotel. Leanne was taken aback when the group mentor approached her and offered her some unsolicited advice and it wasn’t long before she was recruited by Rowan into the Institute where she found herself unloading her deepest secrets as well as talking to an AI version of her late son, Oliver.

But months later, Rowan’s devious behaviour eventually came to a head and his scheme came crashing down. He’s not been seen on the cobbles for months but during Monday’s (December 2) trip to Weatherfield, Leanne was seen in court as Rowan was finally questioned over his involvement with Leanne, Amy Barlow and The Institute.

After Amy and Nick had taken to the stand, it was Leanne’s turn and after she was harshly quizzed by the defence barrister, Rowan smirked, provoking Leanne into a furious rant about how he had ruined her life. But Rowan responded and insisted that Leanne had created her own problems.

Later, Leanne, Nick, Amy and Toyah got news of the court’s verdict and were later celebrating the update in the Rovers Return. It wasn’t until Tuesday evening (December 3) that Emrhys took to social media to reflect on his time in the ITV soap and confirmed he has officially exited the show.

Alongside a string of picrues of him and his co-stars as well as screengrabs from scenes he featured in, the 39-year-old actor said: “And that’s a wrap on Rowan. About this time last year, I found out I got the part on @coronationstreet in the middle of the night! I was living in California at the time when I checked my phone and there it was… the big news. An incredible early Christmas present.

“I had been quite homesick for a while and felt the urge to move back to the UK to be closer to my family after living in the USA for the past 15 years. It was also uncanny how the cult storyline resonated with my personal journey and childhood. Getting this part felt like a sure sign from the universe that it was written in the stars for me to return home. I haven’t looked back!”

He added: “Working on Corrie has been one of the most incredible professional experiences of my life. What a family, what a tradition, what a national treasure! Thank you so much, Coronation Street! To the cast, crew, and everyone involved. Lastly, I want to say I will forever be grateful to the amazing fans who embraced the evil Rowan despite all his dastardly deeds. Also, thank you, Manchester! #grateful.”

Leanne actress Jane Danson respond to the post, writing: “Thank you for being an absolute joy to work with.” Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah, commented: “What an absolute joy you were to have around darling.” Amy star Elle Mulvaney shared: “Loved working with you Emrhys.” Dee-Dee Bailey actress Channique Sterling-Brown replied: “We love you gorgeous human! Thank you for all the warmth and kindness you bought! Very missed.” Cait Fitton, who plays Lauren Bolton, added: “We will miss you gorgeous one !!good luck with everything.”