Coronation Street's Hope Stape star appeared in a goodbye message after it was confirmed that her close co-star had officially left the soap. The parents of Isabella Flanagan, who plays the daughter of Fiz and serial Killer John in the ITV soap, shared their farewell to Jamie Kenna after his exit as Phill Whittaker was announced.
The Green Street actor made his debut on the cobbles last year where he met Fiz following her split from Tyrone Dobbs. The pair hit it off and their whirlwind romance soon saw them walking down the aisle and saying 'I Do'. However, their marriage lasted all of a few hours after Fiz, played by Jennie McAlpine, ran out on him at their reception.
The Underworld machinist had a change of heart and left her new husband to run back into the arms of her former fiance Tyrone. The pair then continued to see each other secretly while Phill desperately tried to save his marriage. He eventually realised he couldn't change Fiz's mind and agreed to an annulment, as seen in Manchester Evening News.
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That was until he caught Fiz and Tyrone at couples therapy. Losing his temper in the Rovers, Phill ripped up the papers for an annulment and told his wife he wanted a long, drawn-out divorce. But he had another change of heart and in scenes aired during Monday night's trip to the cobbles (July 25), and Phill finally handed Fiz the signed annulment - leading to Jamie's permanent exit from the soap.
He appeared in video which was posted by Coronation Street on their official social media channels on Wednesday (July 28). They wrote in the caption: "This week we said goodbye to Phill with 2 L's! Here's a goodbye message from Jamie Kenna." Jamie also posted the clip to his own Instagram page. "The Sad news is out! @coronationstreet," he wrote to his followers. 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."
Isabella's parents, who run the 'Flanagan Family' Instagram page for their daughter, her twin brother and Corrie co-star William and older sister Amelia, who stars in Emmerdale as April, shared a post in reaction to the news. One image showed Jamie with his elbows rested on Isabella and Macy Alabi, who plays Ruby in the ITV soap.
A second showed the twins with Jamie, Jennie, and his wife and two children on the Salford-based set outside the home they briefly shared. "It’s a goodbye for now to one of the nicest guys Bella’s worked with @thejamiekenna apart from @alanhalsall of course." They added: "Take care tall man and we’ll see you soon I’m sure!"
Jamie then responded: "I miss you guys! I hope we get our reunion sooner rather than later," as fans flocked to share their disappointment over his exit. @beverleyw2211 said: "Love Phil, I really wanted him to stay, great character and amazing actor." @christine.nye.140 added: "Shame he's gone . I would of loved him to stay and find true love . Never mind .. gold luck to whatever comes your way."
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