They were then shocked to learn that the popular  actor, 59 —  who was reviving his role as Martin Platt for his ex Gail’s widely hyped exit storyline — had been given the boot.

Bosses at the soap are declining to offer any explanation, merely insisting that Sean — who now makes award-winning cheese for a living  — has “stepped down for personal reasons”.

They did not comment any further nor expand on who will replace him.

None of his scenes with Gail, played by Helen Worth, 73, will be screened, plunging the show into crisis as the actress’ departure after 50 years will now have to be hastily rewritten.

It is also a major blow to Helen, who was understood to have been thrilled with the decision to bring back her character’s former ­husband Martin.

Last night a source said: “It has come as a complete and utter shock to everyone – and his ­sudden exit has rocked everyone involved with Corrie.

“Sean was loving his time on the show, and he was very popular on set.

“He had filmed scenes with loads of the cast, but then suddenly he was summoned to head office, and later it filtered out he wouldn’t be returning or his scenes airing, but no explanation offered.

“Clearly it’s a major blow for bosses who must now find a new magical and happy ending for Helen – but they are confident they’ll pull it out of the bag, and give viewers something wonderful.”

Sean first appeared as Martin in Corrie back in 1985, and his character would embark on a turbulent relationship with Gail.

The actor left the soap in 2005 before training as a chef — and going on to win awards with his Saddleworth Cheese Company.

He briefly reprised his role in 2018, saying goodbye to family, including son David, before emigrating to New Zealand.

In May Helen confirmed she had signed her final contract as six-times wed Gail and would leave the soap after half a century.

The Sun then revealed in July that Sean would be back again — with Martin set to whisk Gail off into the sunset.

Despite their ten-year union ending when nurse Martin had an affair, he is considered the most successful of Gail’s multiple marriages.

Helen made her first appearance on the cobbles in 1974 as Gail Potter and would become one of the most recognisable soap stars in Britain.

Only Corrie’s Steve McDonald, with seven, has been married more times than Gail, who has buried all but one of her husbands — Martin.

Shortly after the murder of her first spouse Brian Tilsley in 1989, Gail started going out with Martin.

They had David in 1990 before tying the knot.

Gail then forgave Martin for a fling in 1994 but his affair with fellow nurse Rebecca in 2000 ended their relationship.

Helen signed her final contract in January – taking her to the end of this year — and writers and producers immediately started planning her exit storyline.

All possibilities were discussed – including killing her off – before they decided on a happy ending.

Coronation Street’s executive producer Iain MacLeod has previously promised that the departure storyline will be “brilliant”.

He said: “Gail won’t die.

“It didn’t feel like killing her off would be right.

“Gail’s exit is a brilliant story.

“I thought, ‘What do viewers want to see’? Gail has had a hard life.

“She had a difficult childhood and some disastrous marriages.

“So, we thought, what viewers really want is a happy ending for her, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Last night a Coronation Street spokeswoman said: “Sean Wilson has stepped down from filming for personal reasons.”

Sean’s agent said the same, ­adding: “Neither he nor I will be making any further comment or statement.”

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Source: New York Post