Shayne Ward written out of Coronation Street in 'explosive' storyline

Having joined the cast of Coronation Street as bad boy Aidan Connor in August 2015, Shayne Ward is said to be leaving the show next year.

However, the fan-favourite character will not be bowing out easily as the series has planned no less than an "explosive exit" for Aidan.

A source revealed to The Sun: "Nobody will see this coming. Viewers are going to be absolutely stunned. It's going to be a blow for the fans — but also a massive TV moment."

It is believed that the cast and crew of Coronation Street have been sworn to secrecy about Aidan's fate.

"Everybody wants Shayne leaving to be a huge part of the show next year. Bosses are working on it at the moment and have something really explosive planned for the character," added the source.

The 33-year-old played the cousin of Kym Marsh's character Michelle in the the long-running soap. Involved in a string of romances, Ward quickly became known as a ladies' man and even had to deal with a complex love triangle with Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) and Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).

"Shayne has become one of Corrie's most popular actors. He's a huge hit with fans and has even won awards for his performances," the insider told The Sun.

According to a MailOnline insider, Ward will "leave at the end of his current contract and Aidan will be on screen for a further six months."

Ward first shot to fame in 2005 when he won The X Factor finals. Following that, he had a moderately successful music career, releasing four albums out of which a self-titled debut went 4x platinum in 2006 and Breathless went 5x platinum in 2007.

From 2011 to 2012, he played the role of Staycee Jaxx in the 80s musical Rock of Ages on the West End.

He is married to Hollyoaks actor Sophie Austin, 33 and welcomed daughter Willow in December 2016.