Jamie Kenna has said a big 'see ya' to the UK after leaving Coronation Street. The actor appeared in the ITV soap as Phill Whittaker last year. The character embarked on a whirlwind romance with recently heartbroken Fiz Stape with the pair tying the knot earlier this year.
However, their marriage barely lasted the afternoon as poor Phill was jilted at the wedding reception by his new wife who gave into her feelings for ex-Tyrone Dobbs. Despite pulling out all the, unusual, stops to win her back, there wasn't much hope for Phill who soon discovered Fiz was back with Tyrone.
After initially kicking up a fuss, he agreed to the annulment and left Weatherfield behind. It was then later confirmed that Jamie had officially exited the long-running soap. He appeared in video which was posted by Coronation Street on their official social media channels. They wrote in the caption: "This week we said goodbye to Phill with 2 L's! Here's a goodbye message from Jamie Kenna."
In his own messages posted to his Instagram page, Green Street star Jamie also shared how 'gutted' he was to have been written out of the programme. "The sad news is out! @coronationstreet," he wrote to his followers alongside a video of himself on the famous cobbles. He then posted the video again and said: " I’m gutted but all good things come to an end! Thanks for all your love & support! @coronationstreet."
Having remained quiet on his exit from Corrie, Jamie has now returned to social media to post a new video where he addressed the overwhelming response to him leaving the Salford-filmed soap and teased what's coming up next for him - and it includes a former Corrie star.
"I wanted to come on here, and I've been meaning to do it for a few days, for a few reasons," he said in the clip after admitting to still sporting glitter in his beard after enjoying a weekend of Pride celebrations. He continued: "Firstly, just say thank you all for the love you've shown big Phull with two L's. It's been absolutely mind-blowing.
"I know you've been on the Corrie pages saying, 'Bring back Phill, why's he gone,' and some people are genuinely upset that he's left which means the world to me, it really does. And fingers crossed they [Corrie] take notice of that." He then shared how fans had given writers 'enough ideas' and encouraged them 'not to stop' because he'd 'love to go back' to the cobbles.
"I've made no secret of that and they know that," Jamie admitted. "So fingers crossed, with all your love, help and support, we can get big Phill back involved." He did go on to share some of the projects he is working on in the meantime including a few podcast recordings and something else a bit more exciting.
"I've just finished filming a Christmas movie with the legend that is Suranne Jones," Jamie revealed. Chadderton-born actress Suranne rose to prominence as Karen McDonald in Coronation Street between 2000 to 2004 but has since gone on to forge a stellar TV career, starring in countless dramas and series including Scott & Bailey, Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack.
"I can't say too much about that," Jamie added. "But just keep your eye out for it. It's going to be out on Christmas Day on Sky so that's very exciting." And the festive theme continues as he's also set to appear in panto. He revealed he has landed a job at Crewe Lyceum this Christmas as he was announced in the panto cast and will be playing the evil Abanazar in the venue's production of Aladdin.
But he ended the video by saying: "Mainly I just wanted to come on her and say thank you for all the love. Keep going, keep telling them, start petitions, let's get me back on the cobbles because I'm not done. There's unfinished business."
And Jamie's post was soon flooded with messages from fans who want to see him back on-screen as Phill. @mrsvalentine16 said: "Would love to see you back on the street. #bringbackphill." @caz2827 wrote: "Bring back Phil to the cobbles so truly missed love and missing u definitely booking my panto tickets for Crewe." @lgrant694 added: "Yes Jamie I couldn't agree with you more, I would love to see more of Phill with 2 Ls lol."
It also appears that they have a storyline in mind and want to see Phill sweep Rovers Return landlady Jenny Connor off her feet despite her relationship with toyboy Leo. @sarah.walter.3726 said: "Definitely need Phil back in Corrie, great actor, great character, needs to get with Jenny and run The Rovers with her." @thedenisemarek added: "Phill and Jenny!!! Yes! That’s a great idea! It works!"
In the meantime though, Jamie has jetted off on his holidays. He shared a picture to his Instagram Story as he bored the plane, writing 'See Ya' alongside it. He then shared an update of him taking in the views of the golden beach and crystal blue sea but joked: "I can confirm it's awful here!"
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