I say I'm leaving, I say I'm leaving

John Savident who plays Fred Elliot is 'seriously thinking of not signing a new contract next year' according to Christmas Eve's Daily Mirror (though it has been rumoured for some time on various forums.) Apparently John, 66, who is a classical actor, misses the stage and theatre. Since joining the street in 1994 Fred  - so good he says it twice - has become a Corrie institution, in much the same way as Jack and Vera are.

His bullish exterior belies his naive romantic inside which has helped endear him to the nation. Who couldn't feel sorry for him when Penny and Audrey turned down his proposals of marriage? Anyway I'm hoping this latest rumour may be a clever bit of negotiating on John Savident's part to get a bit of a pay rise. After all Corrie bosses and viewers really won't want to see him go. I know I don't. I say I know I don't.