Coronation Street star Paddy Bever has bid farewell to the cobbles after almost four years.
The actor, 22, assumed the role of Max Turner from originator Harry McDermott in 2021, but bowed out in last night’s episode.
At the beginning of the month, Max was sent down for six and a half years after deliberately torching his family home – 8 Coronation Street – resulting in a devastating blaze.
The troubled youngster was hoping that a hefty insurance payout would help stepfather David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) pay off a debt to gangster Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor).
After a number of locals found themselves in the frame, evidence eventually paved the way for Max to be charged.
In last night’s episode, we saw him telephone a worried David from his cell.
After a dramatic day for David, which saw him confronted by Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) for causing Daisy Midgeley’s (Charlotte Jordan) to miscarry their unborn child, the family were relieved to hear from him.
They were concerned that if he was in a local jail, Harvey and his cronies would soon catch-up with him, and Max was subsequently sent to HMP Durham.
During their emotional conversation, Max told David that he loved him – and referred to him as ‘dad’.
In a video posted to Corrie’s social media episodes following the instalment, Paddy paid tribute to his time on the cobbles.
‘Hey, so if you’re watching this, it means that you have also watched Max’s exit, and therefore you know that I am parting ways with the role and the show’ he began.
‘That comes with a huge cocktail of emotions, because I’ve had just the most wonderful time with this role and this show, and to be part of something with this magnitude has been madness.
‘I just wanted to say thank you so much to everybody who’s tuned in. To those of you who love Max, to those of you who hate Max, thank you.’
He continued: ‘He’s certainly been very complex and a real privilege to play. To have been part of the Platts family, and to be part of such an amazing team for three years has been incredible.
‘[They have] been very formative years for me, and it is a very strange feeling that it is coming to an end and has definitely been amongst the hardest decisions of my life because I’ve just had the most amazing time.
‘So thank you very much for tuning in, and all the best.’
On-screen step-mum Julia Goulding, who plays Shona Platt, commented: ‘I won’t pretend I’m not heartbroken to see you go but I’m excited to see you fly! Love you Paddington you absolute star!’
Paula Lane, who played Max’s mum Kylie Platt – although didn’t appear alongside him in the show – added: ‘Go fly son.’
On his own social media, Paddy shared a series of behind the scenes snaps, mostly featuring close friend and co-star Cait Fitton.
‘As my final ep airs tonight, here are some of my favourites from my time playing Max’ he said.
‘I’ll remember this job and the people i’ve met along the way so fondly-what a ride it’s been. Thank you @coronationstreet.’
Cait poured her heart out, writing: ‘Oh how I miss working with you everyday. I am so proud of how far you’ve come. I will always look back on our journey so fondly. I love you Pads.’
Doctor Who favourite Millie Gibson, who previously played Kelly Neelan, added: ‘Go fly hot stuff.’
Sydney Martin branded him a ‘superstar’, whilst Charlotte Jordan called him a ‘beautiful boy.’
‘Gonna miss your lovely face’ commented Sally Carman-Duttine.
Sue Devaney wrote: ‘Love you! Love your talent! Fly high bright star!’, with Hollyoaks actress Isabelle Smith echoed Millie Gibson, sharing: ‘Big love, can’t wait to watch you fly.’
Jack P. Shepherd simply put: ‘HE’S MY SON!’
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 “𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 & 𝑾𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆: 𝒇𝙞𝒍𝙢𝒔𝙥𝒐𝙞𝒍𝙚𝒓𝙨.𝙞𝒏𝙛𝒐” 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧-𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬.
