Langley's character Todd provided the soap's first gay kiss

The 22-year-old said he wanted to leave the show "on a high" after four years.

His character provided Coronation Street's first gay storyline last October when he kissed Nick Tilsley.

Twenty-one complaints from viewers were rejected by watchdog ITC, which ruled that the pre-watershed scene "would not upset the majority of viewers".

Not killed

"I have worked at Coronation Street since I left college at 18 and I feel it is time to develop myself as an actor," Langley said.

"The current storyline has been fantastic to play and I am looking forward to seeing how the writers will develop it for my departure."

His character Todd is currently torn between pregnant fianc�e Sarah and gay nurse Karl Foster.

Scriptwriters said Todd would not be killed off, leaving the door open for a possible return.

Langley said his fan following "changed" after he appeared in the soap's gay storyline.

"I get a lot more attention from gay men," he said. "Even in the supermarket blokes come up for a chat."