Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow to leave the cobbles – but he won’t be exiting the show

Last night, Coronation Street aired its 10,000th episode.

And the massive milestone ended on a heartbreaking note, as Ken Barlow made the heartbreaking decision to leave the cobbles. In the 10,000th episode, the legendary character decided the time had come to leave Number 1 Coronation Street. He bid farewell to his 'old friend' the cobbles just before the credits rolled, as he got ready to move away with his girlfriend Claudia Colby.

Ken - who appeared in the very first episode of Corrie - will move out of number one and away from the Street. However, he won't be leaving the show.

Future episodes will follow Ken and Claudia’s new life at Still Waters Luxury retirement complex, whilst back in Weatherfield Tracy and Peter Barlow will battle over who gets to move into the most famous house on the street.

Monday night's episode will see Ken and Claudia break the news to the family about their decision to sell up and live a quieter life at Still Waters.

Tracy immediately has her eye on the prize, and despite Carla’s lack of enthusiasm Peter decides to fight his sister for the house - both of them wanting it at a knockdown price.

As Ken worries about his warring family it confirms he is making the right decision to leave. Next month viewers will see him and Claudia move into the luxurious development complete with cocktail bar, book club and even fencing lessons.

But it looks like he'll be running into some familiar faces soon enough.

Ken is delighted to discover that his old friends Norris and Freda are already settled in to life at Still Waters.

And when he crosses swords with fellow resident Charles, played by Michael Elwyn, it looks as though there may be just as much drama as there was on the cobbles....