As Coronation Street kills off Billy Mayhew, Daniel Brocklebank's first acting role after soap 'axe' revealed

He's heading to the stage
Tamzin Meyer

Tonight’s episode of Corriedale (the Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover) sadly saw Billy Mayhew die as Daniel Brocklebank departed from the role after over a decade.

In tragic scenes, Billy the vicar sadly died in a burning minibus thanks to Theo Silverton who failed to save him.

Billy’s loss will be felt by many, especially Todd Grimshaw who counted on Billy to save him from his abusive relationship.

Coronation Street's Billy behind the wheel in Corriedale
Billy died as a result of the crash (Credit: ITV)

Billy Mayhew’s death in Coronation Street

During today’s episode of Corriedale, Billy Mayhew got himself into a car accident as he found himself injured in the driver’s seat of a minibus carrying wedding guests from Debbie and Ronnie’s big day.

While the likes of Steve, Cassie, Tracy and Todd escaped the vehicle, Billy and Theo were still trapped.

Theo went to save Billy (or at least pretended that he was going to), but when Billy was about to be freed from his seatbelt, Theo changed his mind.

It turned out that ‘there wasn’t some good in Theo’ after all and he left Billy to die as the flames took hold of the van.

Todd was shocked, kneeling down and then watching Theo return without Billy by his side.

Daniel Brocklebank’s response to Billy ‘axe’

Filming his final scenes in November 2025, Daniel Brocklebank took to Instagram to reflect on his time on the cobbles.

He wrote: “That’s it. Last scene filmed. Bye bye @coronationstreet. Bye bye Billy. The last 11 years have gone by in a blink. I’ve adored every moment of being part of this special family. I can’t thank @itv and all at Corrie enough. It’s been a ride. I adore you all.”

This response came after reports from The Sun claimed that the character of Billy had been ‘axed’ as a storyline-based decision from soap bosses.

Daniel said: “I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life.

“I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work.

“I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.”

Coronation Street's Daniel Brocklebank promo
He’s taking to the stage (Credit: Everyman Playhouse)

Daniel Brocklebank lands role in Young Frankenstein the Musical

From December – January, Daniel Brocklebank took to the stage in Young Frankenstein the Musical. This was his first confirmed acting role since leaving Corrie.

He took to the stage at Liverpool Playhouse. This was part of the Hope Mill Theatre production as Dr Fredrick Frankenstein.

The musical ran for five weeks, from the 3rd December 2025 to 3rd January 2026.

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein tells the story of the grandson of Victor Frankenstein who moves to Transylvania. In the musical, the likes of Amelia Adams, Jessica Martin, and Pete Gallagher joined him.

It is unclear what Daniel will be working on next after this, but for now, he deserves a good rest after wrapping up the musical only a few days ago.

Read more: Coronation Street fan theory predicts Todd will murder Theo – and George will help him dispose of body