Coronation Street airs major exit as icon leaves the cobbles after two decades

Carla has let Peter go (Picture: ITV)

Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) has left Coronation Street.

The beloved character had his life changed in October after killing Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce). Since then, Peter has struggled in Weatherfield due to constantly being reminded of his actions.

Last week, during an AA meeting, Peter admitted in front of people from the group and Carla (Alison King) that he’s desperate for a change because he isn’t excited by his life anymore.

This prompted Carla to book Peter a one-way plane ticket to Spain where he could join his friend on a new boating job.

At the end of Christmas Day, Carla gave Peter his gift and confirmed in an upsetting scene that she wouldn’t be going with him.

In tonight’s Boxing Day episode, the aftermath of the life-changing present initially saw Peter frustrated and upset with Carla. He thought this was her way of saying she didn’t want them to be together anymore and called Carla ‘cold’ over her choice.

Carla gave Peter a plane ticket to Spain (Picture: ITV)

After a walk along the cobbles, a place Peter has called home for so long, he returned to the flat and made up with Carla.

Eventually, Peter realised he had to accept Carla’s offer if he wanted to stop feeling so low.

He had to leave.

Before the departure, Peter and Carla enjoyed a takeaway from Speed Daal. Peter then tried to visualise what their relationship would be like when he eventually gets abroad and how often they would communicate.

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The love story has ended (Picture: ITV)

Sadly, Carla believed that if they were to continue talking, it would increase the chances of one of them getting on a plane and finding the other – which wasn’t the plan.

The next morning, Peter packed up his things and headed outside where his family – except from Simon (Alex Bain) – were waiting.

Peter said his emotional goodbyes and then had one final moment with Carla. He wondered if he was doing the right thing by going, but Carla reassured him and said they are lucky their love story has ended like this, rather than one that concludes with anger and hatred.

The couple shared one final kiss and then parted ways. As Carla turned around, she saw that Peter had already gone.

On the tram out of Manchester, we saw Peter.

He smiled for one final time as he listened to music, preparing himself for a brand new adventure.

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Yes we are crying, thanks for asking.