They moved into Mawdsley Street, at the back of Gemma and Chesney Winter-Brown’s house, with their young family, which marked the first time the show had expanded the drama across the ginnel.
And drama there was as shortly after his arrival, it was revealed that Mick was the man in the van who had been tormenting Chesney for months.
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But his behaviour increasingly became more sinister, with him making threatening comments to Gemma, having beaten up her friend Sean Tully, before he made an enemy in Gary Windass, having locked his stepson, Liam Connor, in a cupboard at the builders’ yard, resulting in him missing an exam.
But there was nothing more dramatic, or heartbreaking, than when Mick brutally attacked an innocent PC Craig Tinker in a drunken and paranoid rage, later leading to his death.
He was quickly caught and put behind bars, but last month, Mick made one last bid for freedom. With news his wife, Lou, is in trouble for her recent attack on Gary Windass and the kids without their parents, Corrie fans saw Mick break free from prison in a bid to reunite his family and flee Weatherfield once and for all.
He was seen climbing under a laundry van before later dropping down into the Street. Mick’s escape ended at the factory, where he held Tim and Sarah Platt hostage in the office while looking for daughter, Joanie, who was with Sally.
Sally was seen trying to comfort the youngster as the chaos unravelled in the factory below. But soon, Mick, having stabbed Kit in a shocking twist, made his way onto the roof. Sally was quick to stand up to Mick.
“Please don’t hurt Sally,” a tearful Joanie eventually said as she emerged from her hiding spot. Mick apologised to his daughter and in her final words to Mick, Sally promised him that she’d look after Joanie and Shanice and give the girls a more positive upbringing.
As Mick gave himself up, it marked the end of the character – and actor Joe’s – time in Weatherfield. But Corrie was able to have some fun before he left and have now shared a video of what unfolded.
Shared on Instagram, a brooding Joe, seemingly in character, was seen walking through the ginnel with a dog, which was actually his own real-life pet, before throwing a bag of dog poo over the gate at Chesney and Gemma’s.
Alongside the post, the caption read: “With Mick well and truly locked away, we’d like to say thank you to Joe Layton for being such a great villain! (Shoutout to Joe’s dog Hiccup for playing a great part in this) @jaylayts #Corrie.”
And fans were quick to respond as they heaped the same praise, while also suggesting he should have been kept on the show.
@mattwilliams26598 said: “Horrid character but brilliant actor!” @chantalkjl commented: “Great actor. Hoping for a win at the Inside Soap Awards.” @the_lanarkshire_laird wrote: “Loved his character. He played him brilliantly. It’s a shame to see him go.”
@veejayemtee posted: “He played the role superbly. Top drawer!” @garner_2013 shared: “Great character should of stayed long. Very sad to see him go.” @craigyxo added: “Oof! We can’t we keep him? Can he have an identical twin? Haha.”