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Coronation Street Spoilers: Derek Griffiths Quits Corrie – Freddie Smith Exits

Fans of legendary actor Derek Griffiths may no longer be able to see him on, “Coronation Street,” but that doesn’t mean the busy actor has plans to slow down. The fan favorite quit the ITV soap after just one year in order to star in a theatrical production of, “Driving Miss Daisy.”

Griffiths played genial biker/mechanic Freddie Smith on the long-running sudser, and quickly captured viewers’ hearts when his widowed character embarked on a special friendship with an unexpected Corrie resident. Coming onboard in March 2016, he mainly played opposite Paula Lane’s character, Kylie Platt.

Griffiths’ turn on the Cobbles came after a lifetime of watching the famed soap. He started viewing the show as a boy, and has said that he’s proud to be following in the footsteps of one of his acting heroes.

He told The Sun, “I remember … watching Violet Carson … on Coronation Street. She was a brilliant character that people loved to hate, and later when I became an actor and played the villain in panto many times those are qualities I would bring to the role.”

Griffiths added that a huge photo of his acting inspiration was one of the first things he noticed when he came to audition for the soap.

Griffiths’ star rose to fame in the 1980’s when he starred in the kid’s favorite, “Play School.” The multi-talented star has also appeared in West End productions of, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and, “Beauty and The Beast.”

Although his stint was short, Corrie fans will no doubt count themselves lucky to have had the pleasure to watch an actor of Griffiths’ caliber. And his stature in the acting community is no doubt enhanced by his time on the Cobbles!

What is your favorite Derek Griffiths role? Corrie fans, let us know what you’re going to miss most about the legendary actor in the comments section below!

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Tanya Clark

Tanya is a versatile storyteller who crafts content that entertains, informs, and inspires. When she’s not writing she can be found exploring nature, enjoying culinary adventures, or simply reading a good book.