Coronation Street's Ryan Thomas to quit the soap

Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas is to quit the show after more than 15 years.

Thomas - who has played builder Jason Grimshaw - said he wanted to "pursue new challenges".

He has reportedly set his sights on a career in Hollywood.

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"The decision to leave was extremely difficult," he told the Irish Mirror.

"I'm just excited now to see what exit storyline the writers give Jason."

Thomas has starred in the soap for more than 15 years. Credit: ITV

The soap's producer Stuart Blackman said Thomas' character would be at "the heart of a massive story" ahead of his exit.

"Ryan has been an important part of Coronation Street for 15 years. We wish him every success when he moves on next year and we appreciate his desire to try new things.

"In the coming months he'll be at the heart of a massive story, affecting not just his family but the Websters and the Windasses too which will take us well into 2016."

His final scenes are expected to air next summer.

Soap bosses have promised him an explosive exit. Credit: ITV