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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Siobhan Macdonald

Former Coronation Street star makes huge career change and unveils new project away from ITV soap

Former Coronation Street actor Jamie Kenna has launched a new career worlds away from the ITV soap.

The soap star has swapped his character on the Cobbles for coffee as he has opened his new cafe in Brighton earlier this week. Jamie, who starred as Phil Whittaker in the soap, first arrived in Weatherfield in 2021 and embarked on a short-lived romance with Fiz Stape before departing again last year.

Jamie, who has also starred in EastEnders, The Bill and The Peaky Blinders, has now moved away from acting in his latest career venture as his former co-stars congratulated him. Sharing snaps on social media, the actor encouraged his fans to come along and visit the café.

Inside the café, there was a phrase quoted by his six-year-old son on the walls. Sharing a photo of the slogan, Jamie wrote on Instagram: "The Green Room, The goodest cafe in town….OPEN TODAY!!"

Former Coronation Street co-star Jack James Ryan commented: "This is mega!! Huge congratulations mate x," and Cathy Matthews actress Melanie Hill added: "Congratulations!! Looks awesome."

Actress Kerry Howard replied: "I'm in Brighton this weekend I’ll swing by for a coffee!"

Jamie's new career change (Instagram)

Jamie's character Phil left Weatherfield for good last year after his failed marriage to Fiz caused her to run back to ex Tyrone Dobbs. Following Phil's heartbreak, he threatened to drag out the divorce proceedings in spite but eventually gave into her demands and left Weatherfield.

Last July, Jamie posted a video on Instagram thanking the ITV production for the opportunity to appear in Coronation Street after he announced he was leaving his role.

He said: "The modern day Jack and Vera are reunited and I feel so honoured to have played my part in that. Jennie [McAlpine] and Alan [Halsall] are the best people to work with. I've had an absolute blast. I love this place. I love this show. What a ride it's been for Big Phill with two L's."

Jamie finished the video by teasing a potential return for the future. He said: "Who knows? Maybe it isn't the end. Maybe they'll bring him back but for now it's a massive goodbye from me."

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