Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne has been flooded with support after sharing some career news away from his time on the cobbles.
Chris has played Peter Barlow on the ITV soap for over two decades but has now landed a new role and will be taking to the stage.
The 55-year-old will be swapping the Manchester set for Saint Albans ahead of the upcoming pantomime season and will now be appearing at The Alban Arena. In an announcement shared on social media, the venue exclaimed: "EXCITING PANTO NEWS.
"The Alban Arena are delighted to announce Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan this pantomime season! The Alban Arena are delighted to announce Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan this pantomime season!"
The theatre continued: "This promises to be our most spectacular pantomime yet with stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and a star-studded cast, this is a must-see show for the whole family. Don't miss your chance to experience the wonder and excitement of Neverland once more in Paul Hendy's pantomime sequel!"
The post was instantly flooded with messages of support for Chris, while some fans noticed a link to his mystery disappearance from the soap. "Nah Corrie are too funny saying that Peter has been on a boat for 3 months when he’s playing a literal pirate," wrote one fan.
While a second went on to write: "The whole Carter fandom going to St Albans Arena in December! That's the Chris Gascoyne effect." As a third typed: "Petition for Chris to do another panto when all this is over."
Chris has appeared in the ITV soap since December 2000, starring in over 1,500 episodes, before his departure in 2003. But he was back on the cobbles just four years later before he took a break from his role again in 2008.
But a year later, he once again appeared on screen after signing a permanent contract and remained on screen until July 2012 after taking a four-month break from his role. However, he later made the decision to leave again in November 2014 before returning for the funeral of Deidre Barlow following Anne Kirkbride's tragic death.
Chris has been on screens as Peter since October 2016. But he's no stranger to appearing on stage at the theatre having accepted his first job aged just 18 at the Nottingham Playhouse.
