There were tears on and off screen as Jacob Hay left the Coronation Street cobbles after becoming popular with soap watchers. Former drug dealer Jacob, played by Jack James Ryan, cried as he left in the back of a taxi in a shock exit on Friday night (January 13).
Fans of the ITV soap, viewers protested as they saw a distraught Jacob forced to leave Weatherfield after his girlfriend Amy Barlow's life was threatened. Poor Jacob had worked hard to turn his life around after being introduced in 2021 as a dealer groomed by Harvey Gaskell, who ensnared Simon Barlow into their gang.
Last year he returned as a reformed character and was revealed to be Amy Barlow's secret boyfriend.. As well as winning the hearts of viewers, he eventually gained the trust of her parents Steve and Tracy.
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The couple have since moved into 19a Victoria Street in a flat-share with Summer Spellman and Aaron Sandford, with Jacob landing work in the sales department at Underworld and as a waiter at the Bistro. But Jacob's life collapsed again when his dad Damon arrived on the scene and was revealed to be drug lord Harvey's brother.
Damon started his own drug operation, working through the Bistro, and planned for his son to help him. Despite not wanting to get mixed back up in that world, Jacob had no choice but to act when a delivery of thousands of pounds worth of drugs arrived hidden in a crate of olive oil during a meal attended by police and a sniffer dog.
Jacob got rid of the drugs and, after a horror beating from Damon in the ginnel, he was told that if he wanted to protect Amy, he needed to disappear for good. Hearing Amy entering the flat, a desperate Jacob pretended he was on the phone dealing drugs, leaving Amy thinking he was up to his old tricks.
And he was cruel to be kind as he dumped her and made up an excuse about their relationship, sniping: "It's all a bit a straight and predictable. Sorry and that but it's how I feel. I want a bit more out of life."
Taking to Instagram Jack shared a picture of himself in the Rovers Return as he bowed out, saying: "That’s all folks. Jacob Hay over and out, I’m gonna miss you brother!" And fans were fuming.
@afrew43 tweeted: "So #Corrie developed Jacob and now have introduced ANOTHER 1 Dimensional character in his father? And now Jacobs gone? Shows gone to pot."
@andi_knowlts also fumed: "They got rid of Jacob and kept the thug father. There are already at least two murderers running around with zero hope of getting caught. Stop it."
ck7933 said on Instagram: "So sorry to see you go Jack I really had grown to like Jacob in Corrie and how he turned his life around and p***ed off with Corrie writers to be honest that they didn’t let you have a happy ending."
charliejordan.fanxo said: "I’m so sorry you had to leave. Jacob really grew on me these last few months. It’s a shame he couldn’t see a better solution or left without Amy having a new bad view on him. I wish you all the success in any future projects moving forward Jack. You’ll truly be missed."
justyl1987 gasped: "No way!!!! Was not expecting that. They better bring you back." amandawestgate messaged: "Nooooo...gutted you're leaving. Well done young man...you've been amazing." And day_85dreamer wrote: "Aww absolutely gutted wont b the same without u."
xosarah_louisexo commented: "Not happy! I’m p***ed of! Why couldn’t his dad just leave him alone and let him be happy!! Was literally screaming at the tv" and wilson2611 said: "Why does Corrie (keep) getting rid of good actors...don’t deserve viewers."
beeth_24 shouted: "Noooo! HATE THIS STORY LINE!" mattwilliams26598 said: "Gutted you've left. You were great. Corrie needs to stop ruining these good characters." And chelseatrundleyx yelled: "IM FUMING."
pipmacguitar told him: "You deserved a better leaving storyline if I'm honest." And mrs_laura_haughey_pleaded: "Aww @jackjamesryan you’ve been a breath of fresh air. Please come back! Good luck!"
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