Coronation Street actor Ben Price is quitting the soap

Coronation Street has had its share of dramatic exits over the decades.

And now its writers will have to script one more after the actor who plays Nick Tilsley has announced he's quitting the show. Ben Price, who's been a fixture on the cobbles for seven years, has said he's leaving so he can spend more time with his family, who are in London. The 45-year-old father-of-two said:

"Coronation Street has been the most significant part of my career and I have had a fantastic seven years here.The decision to leave is purely personal - I want to be able to spend more time with my family. "I have been supported by a terrific cast and crew and have had the most glorious storylines and for that I am most grateful."

According to ITV News, he is due to be written out of the show in the summer and it's speculated it will involve a storyline around the revelation Steve McDonald is the father of Leanne Battersby's baby. Following the news, Coronation Street executive producer, Kieran Roberts, paid tribute to the actor saying:

"We fully respect Ben's decision to leave Coronation Street. As Nick, he has been at the centre of some of the biggest plots of the last seven years. "He is valued member of cast who will be greatly missed, but we still have many months of great storylines with him, leading to his dramatic exit later this year."

It doesn't look like Nick is set for a quiet departure by any means.